The HISTORY of Don Garcia & Hermenesilde.

DOubtless, the Information you received of my Weakness, in consenting to your Banishment from Court, made you go away as you did: After your finding [Page 5]out, by Nugna Bella's Mistake offending you the Letter she writ to Don Ramires, what we, with so much Industry, endeavoured to keep from your knowledge: Don Ramires re­ceived the Letter which was directed to you; and soon perceived the Mistake; for which, he was extreamly perplexed; I was no less troubled; we were equally Guilty, too in a different manner. But the News of your Departure, gave him no small Joy; nor was I, then, sorry for it: But, when I reflected upon your Condition, and that I was the Cause of your Displea­sure; I was infinitly troubled at it; I saw, I was much in the wrong, to have so stu­diously conceal'd from you the Passion I had for Hermenesilde. My Opinion was then, That the Nature of my Inclination for her, was not to be blam'd or con­demn'd: It came into my Thoughts se­veral times, to send after you; and I had certainly done it, if I had been the only Person in Fault; But the Interest of Nug­na Bella, and Don Ramires, were invincible Obstacles to your Return. I concealed my Thoughts from them, and made use of all wayes possible, to make me forget you: Your Departure made a great Noise; and it was variously talked of, according to Peo­ples Inclinations. When I found my self [Page 6]loose from the stay of your Counsels, and gave my s [...]f over to Don Ramires his Ad­vice, who thought it his Intrest to see me more Absolute; I fell at open Vari­ance with the King: who then found, he was mistaken in the opinion he had, that it was you that put me upon doing those things, which had been so displeasing to him; our Mis-understandings grew Pub­lick; the Queen's Endeavours proved fruitless; and Things were come to that pass, that all believed I meant in good Earnest, to form a Party. Nevertheless, I believe, I should not have taken that Resolution, were it not for your Father, who (by the means of some People that he had placed about your Sister, understood the Love I had for her) sent me word, that, if I would Marry her, he would Raise me a considerable Army, and furnish me with what Mony and strong Places, that might be necessary to compel the King (my Fa­ther) to give me a share in the Soveraigne Government: You know, what Influence my Passions have upon me; and what Power Love, and Ambition, have over my Heart: Both the one, and the other, were answered by the Offers that were made me; and my Vertue was too feeble, to re­sist their Temptations, being no longer sup­ported [Page 7]by the Strength of your Advice. I accepted, with Joy, his Offers; but, be­fore I would fully resolve to engage my self, I desired to know, who were to be of the Party I intended to Head? I was told, there were many Persons of great Quality; amongst others, the Fa­thers of Nugna Bella, one of the Counts of Castile: I found also, that Nugnes Fernan­do, and he, required I should own them as Soveraign Princes: This Proposition sur­priz'd me; and I was ashamed, to consent, to an Act so prejudicial to the State, out of an over eagerness to Reigne: But Don Ramires his Interest made me pass over all: He assured those that treated for the Counts of Castile, they should prevail with me, to do what they desired, upon condition, that he might be secured to have Nugna Bella. He brought me to demand her for him; I did it with Joy, and it was granted me; so that, our Treaty was concluded in few Dayes. I could not resolve to put off my enjoying Hermenesilde, untill the end of the War; and therefore, I sent word to Nugnes Fernando, that I would carry her away with me, at my going from Court; He consented to it: Now, all my care was only, how I should bring it about; Don Ramires was as much concern'd as I; [Page 8]because Don Diego Porcellos thought it ne­cessary that Nugna Bella should be con­veyed away at the same time. We re­solved (when the Queen should go out of the Town to take the Aire) to make the Coach-man that was to drive Nugna Bella and Hermenesilde, to leave that Road the Queen should take, and to drive di­rectly to Palence, a Town that was in my power, and where I was to meet Nugnes Fernando.

All which, was executed with more success than we hoped for: I married Her­menesilde that very Night, for so, Decen­cy, and my Love required; besides that, it tyed Nugnes Fernando more close to my Interest: In the mid'st of our Merriments we spoke of you with Regret: I confess'd to your Father what occasion'd your de­parture, we lamented our Misfortune of being Ignorant in what part of the world you were gon to. I could not satisfie my self without you, and I was unconsalable for your loss; I looked upon Don Ramires with horror, as the causer of my fault: His marriage was put off, because Nugna Bella would stay for her Father, who stay'd behind in Castile, to gather the Troops which were raised there.

In the mean time, most part of the King­dom declared for me, for all that, the King had a considerable Army, and made Head against me, many Battels we refought; in the first of which, Don Ramires was Kill'd upon the Spot; for which, Nugna Bella appeared very much Afflicted; your Sister was witness of her Grief, and took pains to comfort her. In less than too months I made so considerable a progress, that the Queen despairing of better suc­cess, perswaded the King to come to an Accomodation: She came towards the place where I was; she told me the King was resolved to seek out a quiet Retreat, and to depose himself, and resigne his Throne to me; that he would only reserve to himself the Soveraignty of Zamara, to pass the rest of his days in, and that of Oviedo, to bestow upon my Brother. It were hard to reject such advantagious of­fers: I accepted of them; all things ne­cessary for the accomplishment of this Treaty we performed: I came to Leon, where I saw the King; he resigned to me his Crown, and parted that very day for Zemara.

Give me leave Sir, interrupted Gonsalvo, to tell you my wonder at all this: Stay a little, said Don Garcia, untill I have told [Page 10]you what became of Nugna Bella: I know not whether what I am going to tell you, will make you glad or sorry, for I am ig­norant of your thoughts of her. I have none Sir, answered Gonsalvo, but a calme indifference for her. Then you will hear me out, without much pain, replyed the King: Presently after the Peace was con­cluded, She came to Leon with the Queen; she seemed to wish for your return: I spoke to her of you, and I found in her a hearty Repentance for her Infidelity to you. We resolved to make a diligent search after you, though we found it difficult, not knowing to what corner of the Earth you were gon to: She told me, if any one could give me light in it, it must be Don Olmond: I sent for him at that very instant; I conjur'd him, to tell me where you were: He told me, That since my being Marryed, and the Death of Don Ramires, he had often a great mind to speak to me of you; judging, that the reasons that caused your absence, might now be ceased; but that being not in­form'd of the place of your abode, he did believe it to no purpose: Lastly, that he had very lately received a Letter from you, wherein you gave him no account of your Residence, but desired him to write to [Page 11]you to Taridgone, which made him judge that you were not out of Spain: I imme­diatly dispatched away several Officers of my Guard to go look for you; I found by the Letter, you writ to Don Olmond, that you knew nothing of the alterations that happen'd: I gave them order not to let you know any thing of the state of the Court, or my intentions; for I fancied to my self an extream pleasure in being the first that should inform you both of the one and the other: Some days after, Don Olmond parted likewise in quest of you, with an opinion that he should find you sooner than those I sent. Nugna Bella seem­ed extreamly satisfied with the hope of seeing you again; but her Father, whom I acknowledged as Soveraign Prince (as well as your Father) sent to the Queen to beg she might be suffered to come to him: Though Nugna Bella was infinitly grieved at this separation, yet she could not avoid it; she went away: As soon as she was Arrived in Castile, her Father Marryed her against her will to a German-Prince, whom Curiousity, or Devotion had brought into Spain: he fancied an extra­ordinary merit in this Stranger, and there­fore made choyce of him for his Son-in-Law, he may be both Wise and Valiant, [Page 12]but neither his Humour nor his Person are agreeable; and in a word, Nugna Bella is most unhappy.

Thus have you, said the King, all that has happen'd here since your departure; and if you are no more concern'd for Nug­na Bella, and Love me still, I have nothing more in the world to wish for, since you may be as happy as ever you were, and I shall be so likewise by the return of your Friendship. You Confound me Sir, with so many, and so great favours, answered Gonsalvo, I fear I shall not be able to make you sensible enough of my joy and ac­knowledgments; for my Misfortunes, and my Solitude have so accustomed me to sadness, that I cannot of a suddain shake off their impression, which clouds the chear­ful thoughts of my heart.

After this, the King withdrew, and Gonsalvo was Conducted to an Appart­ment which was prepared for him in the Court. When he saw himself alone, and made some reflection upon his own insen­sibility, of so advantagious a change, he was angry with himself for having so in­tirely given himself over to Love.

O Zayde, it is you alone, said he, that hin­ders me from enjoying the return of my Fortune, and of a Fortune so far above [Page 13]what I lost: My Father is a Soveraign Prince, my Sister is a Queen, and I am revenged of all those that betrayed me; and yet am Unfortunate, and would pur­chase at the hazard of all these advantages, the occasion I have lost of following you, and seeing you once more.

The next day, all the Court was full of Gonsalvo's return; the King thought he could never shew enough, how much he esteemed him, and took all the care imagina­able to give publick demonstrations of it, to Repair, in some measure, what had pass'd: So great a favour could be no Con­solation to this Lover for the loss of Zayde; nor was it in his power to conceal his Af­fliction. The King took notice of it, and pressed him so hard to declare the cause of it, that Gonsalvo was fain to tell it him. After having informed him of his Passion for Zayde, and all that had befallen him since his departure from Leon. Thus Sir, said he, have I been punished for daring to maintain against you, that none ought to Love, but after a long acquaintance: I was deceived by a Person, whom I believ­ed I knew well, and this experience could not defend me against Zayde, whom I did not know at all, nor know not yet; and for all this, disturbs the happy state [Page 14]in which you are pleased to place me. The King was too sensible of Love, and had too great a feeling of all that concern'd Gonsalvo, not to be touched at his Misfor­tune, he began to consult with him of the means how to learn some tidings of Zayde; they resolved to send to Tortosa, to the House where he heard her voyce to en­deavour to be informed of her Country at, least, and whether she might be gon. Gonsalvo, who had a design to let Al­phonso know all that had happen'd to him since he left his Solitude, laid hold of this occasion to write to him, and to renew the assurances of his Friendship towards him.

In the mean time, the Mores taking their time, when the Kingdom of Leon was in these disorders, had surprized several Towns, and continued still to enlarge their bounds without so much as declaring War. Don Garcias, prompted by his natural Am­bition, and fortified by Gonsalvo's Valour, resolves to Invade their Country, and re­take from them all those places which they had Usurped. His Brother Don Ordogno joyn­ed himself to him, and betwixt them, they brought a powerful Army into the Field, whereof Don Gonsalvo was made General: He made a very considerable Progress in [Page 15]a very short time, he took divers Towns; he had the better in several Battels, and at last, Besieges Talauera, a place of great Importance, considerable for its Scituati­on and Greatness. Abderam, King of Cor­dowa, who succeeded Abdala, came in Per­son, to oppose the King of Leon: He came towards Talauera, with hopes to force them to raise the Siege. Don Gar­cias, and the Prince Ordogno, having left Gonsalvo with part of the Army to streigthen the Town, Marches with the rest of the Army to meet him in order to fight him. Gonsalvo was extream glad of the employment; for, his assurance either to win or dye, would not let him fear any ill success. Having no news of Zayde, he was more afflicted than ever, with the passion he had for her, and his great desire of seeing her; so that in spite of his Fortune and Glory, being not able to hope for any thing but a miserable kind of life, he run head-long into all occasions of ending it.

The King Marches against Abderame, whom he found Incamped in an advan­tagious post, within a days March to Talauera; they passed some days without action, for the Moores would not come out of their Post; and Don Garcias did [Page 16]not think himself strong enough to Attack them: In the mean time, Gonsalvo judged it impossible to continue the Siege, be­cause his Forces being not numerous e­nough to encompass the whole Town, and Parties getting into the Town every Night, might put the Besieged in a posture of making stronger Sallies than he could sustain; and therefore having made a con­siderable breach, he resolved to hazard a general Assault, and to endeavour by so bold an attempt, to carry the Victory, which otherwise was desperate. He puts this result into execution; and after giving all necessary orders, he begun the Attack before day, but with so much resolution, and hope to overcome, that he inspired the same courage into all his Men: They performed incredible things, and at last, in less than two hours, Gonsalvo carryed the Town: He did what was possible to hinder the Souldiers from Plundering, but it was impossible to stop an Army from it, whom the hope of Plunder encouraged, more than any other motive whatever.

As he run about the Town himself, to prevent the disorder (which upon such oc­casions are too frequent) he saw a man a­lone, defending himself with incredible Valour against a great many; he endea­voured [Page 17]by Retreating, to get into a Castle which held out still: Those that attacked him, pressed him so home, that he had been infallibly kill'd, if Gonsalvo had not thrown himself betwixt them and him, and commanded them to withdraw: He made them ashamed of the action; they excused themselves, by telling him that, the man they Assaulted, was Prince Zu­lema, who had kill'd abundance of their Men, and was endeavouring to throw him­self into that Castle. This Name was too famous, by the greatness of this Prince, and the general Command he had amongst the Mores, not to be known to Gonsalvo: He advances towards him; and this Vali­ant Man seeing it impossible any longer to defend himself, deliver'd his Sword, with so noble and so bold an aire, that Gonsalvo could no longer doubt, but that he well deserved the great Reputation which he had gain'd: He gave him to be kept Prisoner to some Officers that followed him, and Marches to Summon the Castle: He pro­promis'd Quarter to all that were in it. The Gates were opened for him; he was told (as he enter'd) that there were ma­ny Arabian Ladies, who cast themselves into it for safety. He was Conducted to the place where they were; he enters a [Page 18]spacious Appartment, richly furnished after the Morish fashion; several Ladies lying a­long upon Carpets (by their melancholly silence) made appear how sad they were for their Captivity: they lay at some di­stance, out of respect to a Lady Magnifi­cently Arrayed, that was sitting upon a Pallet, with her head leaning upon one of her Hands, and with the other wiping her Tears, and hiding her Face, as it were to keep her self for some moments from being seen by her Enemies: At last (at the noise which those that followed Gon­salvo, made) comeing into the Room, she turned her Head, and let Gonsalvo see it it was Zayde: But Zayde, far more beau­tiful than he had ever seen her, in spite of all the grief and trouble that appear'd in her Face. Gonsalvo was so surpriz'd, that he seemed more troubled than Zayde; and Zayde seemed to take courage, and lose some part of her trouble, at the sight of Gonsalvo: They advanced towards one another; and beginning both to speak at once, Gonsalvo making use of the Greek Tongue, asked her pardon for appearing before her like an Enemy: At the same time Zayde said in Spanish, she fear'd no more those Misfortunes which she appre­hended, and that this was not the first [Page 19]danger in which he had relieved her: they were so amazed to hear each other speaking their Language, and their sur­prise represented to them, so plainly, the reasons why they learnt those Languages, that they both Blush'd, and remained si­lent for some time. At last Gonsalvo broke silence, and continuing to make use of the Greek Tongue, said, I know not (Ma­dam) whether I had reason to wish as much as I have done, that you might un­derstand me, perhaps I should not be less unhappy: But happen what will, since I have the Joy of seeing you once again, after having so often lost all hope of you, I will never more complain of my For­tune. Zayde seemed somewhat pusled at what Gonsalvo said; and looking upon him with those fair eyes, wherein (neverthe­less, he could read nothing but Melan­cholly. I know not yet (said she to him in her own Language, being not willing to speak any more Spanish) whether my Father has escaped with his Life, amid'st so many dangers, to which he has exposed himself this day; you will excuse me if my concern for him hinders me from making Answer to what you said. Gon­salvo caused some of those that were a­bout him, to enquire after what she de­sired [Page 20]to know: He had the pleasure to learn that the Prince (whom he saved) was Zayde's Father; and she seemed to be over-joy'd to know by what happy means her Fathers Life came to be sav'd. After this, Gonsalvo was oblig'd to pay his respects to the rest of the Ladies that were in the Castle: He was not a little surpris'd to find Don Olmond in that Castle, of whom, there had been no tydings since he went from Leon to seek him out. Having per­formed the Civilities that were due to so faithful a Friend, he returned to the place where Zayde was. As he began to speak to her, word was brought that the Confu­sion and Disorder was so great in the Town, that nothing but his Presence could put a stop to it. He was fain to go where his Duty call'd him; he gave the orders that were necessary to appease the tumult which the Avarice of the Souldiers, and the terror of the Inhabitants had caused: After which, he sent away an express to the King, to acquaint him with the taking of the Town, and so came back with what hast he could to Zayde.

All the Ladies that were with her, were, by chance, at some distance from her: Gonsalvo was resolved to take the advan­tage of this favourable moment, to speak [Page 21]to her; but as he was going to enter­tain her with the declaration of his Passion, he felt in himself an extraordi­nary Irresolution, and found that it is not enough at all times to be in a capacity of being understood, to make a man reso­lute enough to declare his mind; he was fearful, nevertheless, of losing an opportu­nity which he so much long'd for; and after, having for some time admir'd the Caprice of Chance, that made them be so long together, without being able to be acquainted, or to speak to one another: We are now (says Zayde) far from fall­ing into the same difficulty, since I un­derstand Spanish, and you know my Lan­guage. I fancied my self so unhappy (re­plyed Gonsalvo) in not knowing it, that I have learnt it, even when I was out of hope, that it should ever be useful to re­pair what I have endured for not under­standing it. For my part, (Answered Zayde, Blushing) I have learnt the Spanish Tongue, because it is hard to live in a place without acquiring the Language thereof, that one may not be always in trouble how to make themselves under­stood.

I often understood you, Madam, (said Gonsalvo) and though I knew not your [Page 22]Language, yet I could give a very exact account of some of your Sentiments. I am likewise perswaded you saw mine much better than I did yours. I assure you (Answered Zayde) I am not so quick of Apprehension as you take me to be; and that all I could judge of you, was, that you were sometimes very sad. I also let you know the cause thereof (replyed Gonsalvo;) and I am perswaded, that al­though you knew not the meaning of my words, you could not chufe but under­stand me: Go not about to deny it Ma­dam, for you have Answered me with a Severity that may please you; but since I found your indifference, how could you avoid finding out Sentiments which ap­pear much more plainly than indifference, and which expound themselves often e­ven against our will? Yet I must confess I observed sometimes those bright eyes turned towards me, after a manner that might give me Joy, if at the same time I did not believe my self beholding to some other, for what was of obliging in them. I will not dis-own, (Answered Zayde) but that I did fancy you like one; but you would have no cause to be angry at it, if you knew how often I wished you the same Person whom you resembled. I [Page 23]know not Madam (Answered Gonsalvo) whether I should fancy what you have said, to be to my advantage; nor can I thank you for it, unless you did explain your self better: I have told you too much (replyed Zayde) to need any fur­ther Exposition; and my last words ob­lidge me to keep it as a secret: Sure I am reserv'd for nothing but Misfortunes, (Answered Gonsalvo) since I cannot un­derstand what you say, even when you speak to me in Spanish: But Madam, can you yet be so Cruel, as to add more in­certainties to those in which I have liv'd so long? I must dye at your feet, or you must tell me who it was you wept so much for in Alphonso's Solitude; who it is that my good or bad Fortune has made me resemble: Doubtless my curiosity would not stop at these two things, if the respect I bear you, did not with-hold it; but I will wait with patience, until time and your goodness will give me leave to ask you more.

As Zayde was going to answer, some Arabian Ladies that were in the Castle, desired to speak to Gonsalvo, and there came afterwards so many other People in, that (with the care the Princess took to avoid a particular Conference, it was im­possible [Page 24]for him to find any further oppor­tunity.

He shut himself up alone, to abandon himself to the pleasure of having found Zayde again, and in a place where he had the sole command. He believed also to have observed some joy in her eyes when she saw him; he was very glad that she had learnt the Spanish Tongue; and she made use of his Language with such rea­diness and promptness, as soon as she saw him, that he flatter'd himself with the opinion that he had a great share in the care she took to learn it; at least, the sight of Zayde, and the hope he had, not to be hated by her, made Gonsalvo feel all the pleasure that a Lover (that is not as­sured of the affections of his Mistress) can be sensible of.

The return of Don Olmond from the Castle, whether he had sent him to place some of his Troops, interrupted his thoughts; as he found him in the same place with Zayde, he thought he might inform himself of that fair Princesses Birth and Adventures; but he apprehended that he might be in Love with her, and his fear of finding a Rival in the Man he be­lieved his Friend, retarded for a long time his Curiosity; but could not forbear, at [Page 25]last, asking Don Olmond, by what Acci­dent he was brought to Talevera. After he had learnt that he was taken Prisoner, going to look after him at Tarragon, he spoke to him of Zulema first, the better to bring on the discourse of Zayde.

You must know (said Don Olmond) that he is Nephew to the Caliph Osman, and that he should have been in the place of Carmadan, that reigns at this day, if he had been as fortunate as his Merit deserves; he holds yet a considerable rank among the Arabians: He came into Spain to be General of the King of Cordoua's Army, where he has lived with so much Ho­nour and Grandeur, that I was surprised at it. At my Arrival here, I found a very agreeable Court: Belleny, the Wife of Prince Osmin, Zulema's Brother, was then here; this Princess was no less respected for her Virtue, than her high Birth: She had with her the Princess Felime, her Daughter, whose Wit and Beauty are full of Charms, though there appears (in both) something of Languishing and Me­lancholly. You have seen the incompara­ble Beauty of Zayde, and you may judge how great my Astonishment was to find at Talevera so many Persons worthy of Admiration. It is true (replyed Gonsalvo) [Page 26]that Zayde is the most accomplish'd Beau­ty I ever saw; and I question not, but she has a great number of Admirers here, Alamire, Prince of Tharsus, is passionately in Love with her, answered Don Olmond; he began to be in Love with her in Cyprus, and came along with her from thence: Zulema suffer'd Shipwrack upon the Coast of Catalonia; he is come (since that) into Spain, and Alamire came to Talevera to find out Zayde.

These words of Don Olmond, struck Don Gonsalvo to the heart; they confirm'd him in all his Suspicions, and he found in an instant that all his Imaginations were true; the hopes of being deceived (with which he had so often flatter'd himself) quite left him; and the Joy which he re­ceived in his last Conversation with Zayde, served only to augment his grief. He was no longer in doubt, but that those Tears which she shed at Alphonso's, were for Alamire, that it was him he was like; and that it was he that carryed her away from the Coast of Catalonia: These thoughts gave so much disquiet to his mind, that Don Olmond believed he was Sick, and gave him to know that he was much con­cern'd thereat. Gonsalvo concealed the cause of his Affliction, and was ashamed [Page 27]to own that he was in Love after what he had already suffer'd by it: he told him he should be well again in a little while, and ask'd him if he had ever seen Alamire, whether he was worthy of Zayde, or whether she Loved him? I never saw him (replyed Don Olmond) for he was gone to joyn with Abderam, before I was brought to this Town; his Reputation is great, but I know not whether Zayde Loves him or not; but I believe it is not easie for her to despise the Application of a Prince, so deserving as he is given out to be, and he appears so assiduous about her, that it is hard to say, that he should be altogether neglected by her; the Princess Pelime, with whom I have contracted a sincere Friendship, in spight of the re­servedness, in which the People of her Country and Quality live, has often spoke to me of Alamire, and to judge of him by what she says, there cannot be a more accomplish'd Person, or a more passionate Lover than he is. If Don Gonsalvo had followed the impulse of his thoughts, he had ask'd many more questions of Don Olmond; but he was with-held by the fear he had of discovering to him what he stu­died to conceal; he only asked him what became of Felime: Don Olmond told him, [Page 28]that she was gone after the Princess her Mother, to Oropese, where Osmin com­manded a Body of an Army.

After this, Gonsalvo withdrew, pretend­ing to take some rest; but in reality, to be at Liberty to Afflict himself, and to re­flect upon the stubbornness of his invinci­ble Misfortunes. Why did not I know that Zayde was in Love with Alamire, be­fore I found her again? If I had been as­sured of that, when I lost her, I should have been less afflicted for her absence; I should not be so joyful for having found her, nor should I endure now the cruelty of losing all the hopes she came from giving me. What kind of Destiny is mine, that even the sweetness of Zayde must create me nothing but Misfortune? Why should she seem to Countenance my Love, if she approves Alamires passion? Or what means that wish of hers, that I might be the man I resemble?

These kind of reflections augmented his Grief; and the next day, which he ought to have wished for with impatience, and which ought to be to him so grateful, since he was sure to see Zayde, and to speak to her; seemed to him the most frightful of all his Life; for he fancyed, that in seeing her, he could hope for no [Page 29]other thing, but the Confirmation of all his Disasters.

About Mid-night, the Messenger whom he had sent to the King, to acquaint him with the taking of the Town, came back with Orders, for Gonsalvo to March away at that very instant, with all his Cavalry, to joyne the Army. Don Garcias knew that the Moors expected a considerable Re­cruit; and as soon as he knew that Gon­salvo had taken Talevera, he thought it expedient, by the benefit of this Victory, togeather all his Forces, and to fall upon the Enemy before they were re-inforced by their new Succours.

Though Gonsalvo saw the difficulty of executing his Majesties Orders, by the trou­ble he should find to make his Souldiers March, being scarce refreshed after the Fa­tigue of the precedent Night; yet the ar­dent Desire he had to be at the Battle, made him use so much Diligence, that he put his Men in a very short time, in a readiness to March; and he did himself the cruel Violence of parting with Zayde, without taking his leave of her. He ordered Zu­lema to be brought into the same Castle where the Princess was; and commanded him that was Governour of it, to acquaint her with the Reasons that obliged him to leave Talavera in such hast.

At Break of Day he put himself in the Head of his Cavalry, and began to March with a Sadness proportionable to the cause of his imagined Grief. When he came near the Camp, he met the King that came out to receive him: He alighted, and went towards him, to give him an account of what passed at the taking of Talavera. Af­ter he had discoursed with him about what concern'd Martial Affairs, he spoke to him of his Love: He told him how he had found Zayde; but that he had likewise found out that Rival, whose only Shaddow had created him so much trouble. The King told him how much he was concer­ned in all that touched him, and how much he was satisfyed with the Victory he had gained. After this, Gonsalvo went to quarter his Men, and to put them into a Condition, by a few Hours Rest, to be ready for the Battle which was intended to be given: They had not yet resolved upon it; for the advantagious Post in which the Enemy was, their Number, and the length of the March to them, ren­der'd this Resolution hard to be embraced, and dangerous to be put in Execution. Nevertheless, Gonsalvo was for giving Bat­tle; and the hope he had of meeting A­lamire in the Combat, made him maintain [Page 31]his Opinion with so much earnestness, that the giving Battle was resolved upon the next Day.

The Arabians were Encamped in a Plain, within sight of Almeras; their Camp was encompassed by great Woods; insomuch, that there was no Access to them, but by such narrow wayes, that it did seem unsafe to attempt it; notwithstanding, Gonsalvo, in the Head of the Horse, begun first to pass the Wood, and appeared first in the Plain, followed by some Squadrons. The Arabians were so started to see their Ene­mies so near, that they employed the time of Fighting, in consulting what they had best to do; so that, they gave the Spaniards the leasure to March all their Men through the Wood, and draw them up in Battalia, on the Plain. Gonsalvo Marched directly towards them, with the left Wing, beat back their Battalions, and put them to a disorderly Rout: He did not amuse himself to pursue those that fled; but seeking up and down, the Prince of Tharsus, and fresh Lawrels, turns short upon the Arabian Infantry: But the right Wing did not fare so well; for, the Ara­bians routed it, and beat it back to the main Body, which was Commanded by the King of Leon; But the King put a stop to [Page 32]Fury, and repulsed them even to the very Gates of Almaras; so that, the Foot only was left Commanded by Abderame, and stoutly attacqued by Gonsalvo: This Body of In­fantry stood firm to their Ground, and opening their Battalions to the Right and Left, made way for their Archers; which so terribly gall'd the Spaniard, that they could not abide it: Gonsalvo Rallied his Men, and Charged them the second and third time; and, at last, surrounded them on all sides: But Gonsalvo, moved with Compassion to see so many Gallant Men knocked on the Head, commanded Quar­ter to be given to all: The Arabians laid down their Arms, and came flocking a­bout him, to admire his Clemency, after having felt the smart of his Valour. Then likewise came the King of Leon up to Gonsalvo, and gave him all the Praise that was due to his Courage. They understood that King Abderame was Retreated during the Shock, and was gotten into Alma­ras.

The Glory which Gonsalvo acquired in this Dayes Action, might have given him cause to rejoyce; but he felt no other, than Grief of having survived it, and not to meet with Alamire.

He understood afterwards, by some of the Prisoners, that this Prince was not in the Army; that he commanded the Re­inforcement, which the Enemy expected; and, that it was the Hope of this Succour, that made them endeavour to avoid coming to a Battle.

But the Arabians, having Rallied a part of their Army, and being Re-inforced by the Addition of those Succours which Ala­mire brought to them, and lying under the Walls of a strong City; the King of Leon could hope for no other Advantage by his late Victory, but the Glory of having gained it. Nevertheless, Abderame, under pretence of Burying the Dead, desired a Truce for some few dayes, with designe to Commence a Treaty of Peace.

During the time of this Cessation, Gon­salvo passing from one Quarter of the Ar­my to another, saw upon a little Emmence, two of the Enemies Horse-men, defending themselves against a good number of the Spanish Cavalry, who by their multitude, were upon the point of destroying them: He was amazed to see this Combat, du­ring the Truce, at so much inequality: He sent some of his Guards, with all speed, to interpose, and to know the reason of [...]his: They brought him back word, [Page 34]that these two Arabian Horse-men had en­deavour'd to pass their outmost Guards, that the Centries were rude in stopping them; that they drew their Swords thereupon; and that the rest of the Guard fell upon them. Gonsalvo sent an Officer to beg these two Cavaliers excuse, and to con­duct them whither they desired to go, beyond all the Guards: This done, he con­tinued his way, visiting all the Quarters as he went towards the Kings; so that, it was late before he came back. The next Morning, the Officer that was sent to Con­duct the two Arabians, came to him, and told him, That one of those whom they Conducted, gave him in charge to tell him, That he was sorry, that an important Af­fair, which concerned not the War, hin­der'd him from coming to return him Thanks; and that he was willing he should understand, that it was the Prince Ala­mire, that owed him his Life. When Gon­salvo heard the Name of Alamire, and be­lieved, that this Rival, whom he had so great a mind to seek all over the World, even when he did not so much as know his Name, nor his Country, was then passed through his Camp, & in his own fight, with­out all doubt, to go to find out Zayde: he was in a maze; all he had power to do, was on­ly [Page 35]to ask, which way he steer'd his Course? Being told, towards Talavera; he dismis­sed all that were in his Tent; and re­main'd alone full of despair, for not having known that it was Alamire.

How? He has not only escaped my Fu­ry and Revenge, but I must likewise open him the way to go see Zayde! This moment he sees her; he is with her; he tells her by whose means he has pas­sed through this Camp: It was only to insult over me, and up-braid me with my Misfortunes, that he sent me back word, that he was Alamire: But may be, he may not long Regale himself at the Ex­pence of my Misfortunes; and I will so­lace my grief, with the pleasure of being Reveng'd.

He resolves at that very instant, to steal out of the Camp, and to go to Talavera; by his Presence, to interrupt Alamire, and Zayde's Interview, and take away his Ri­vals Life, or dye before the Princesses Eyes. As he was musing how to execute his De­signe, News was brought him, That some of the Enemies Troops appeared not far off of the Camp, and that the King Com­manded he should go to discover them; he was forced to obey, and to defer the Execution of his Purpose: He got a Horse­back; [Page 36]and after he had Rid a little way, word was brought him, as he came out of a Wood, that they were only some few Arabians, that came from Conducting a Convoy. He commanded the Cavalry that were with him, to return to the Camp; and followed by a few of his Ser­vants, he Rid on slowly, on purpose to stay in the Wood until his Cavalry were at some distance, that he might directly go undiscover'd to Talavera. Being in the middle of a great Walk, he met with an Arabian Cavalier, of an excellent Presence and Meine, that came sadly along that way: Those that were with Gonsalvo, by accident, pronounced his Name; at the sound of which, this Cavalier, that seem­ed plunged in some serious and deep study, came to himself; and asked them, if he that Rid before alone, were Gonsalvo? As soon as they answered, It was: I shall be glad (said he, loud enough to be heard by Gonsalvo) to see a Man of so extraor­dinary a Merit, and to thank him for the Favours I have received from him: With this he advances towards Gonsalvo, lifting up the Beavoir of his Helmet to Salute him: But so soon as he had viewed his Face, he cryed out, O Gods! Is it possible, this should be Gonsalvo? And looking [Page 37]stedfastly upon him, he remained without Motion, like a Man that had been Planet­struck, and divided within himself, with very different Imaginations: After re­maining thus for some time; Alamire (cryed he of a suddain) must not let him live for whom Zayde is design'd, or for whom she reserves her self. Gonsalvo, who appear'd astonisht at this Strangers first Words and Action; and who, neverthe­less, expected the Event with a great Calm­ness, was likewise struck with an Extra­ordinary Amazement, when he heard the Names of Zayde, and Alamire; and saw before him this formidable Rival, whom he was going to find out with so much Hatred, and desire of Revenge. I know not (replyed he) whether Zayde be de­signed for me; but if you be the Prince of Tharsus, as you make me believe you are, you must not hope to possess her but by my Death: Nor you, but by mine, answered Alamire; and your words too clearly inform me, that you are the Per­son, that causes my Misfortune. Gonsalvo heard but confusedly these last Words: He went back some Paces, and with-held his impatience to Fight, only to hinder that their Combat might not be interrup­ted: He commanded those that followed, [Page 38]to go further off; but with such an Au­thority, that they durst not disobey: But they with all speed, Rid after the Party that left Gonsalvo, to call back some of the principal Officers of the Army, who could not yet be far gone from them. In the mean time, Gonsalvo and Almire began a Combat; where Courage and Resolution made appear all that could be Heroick and Wonderful: Alamire was wounded in so ma­ny Places, that his Strength begun to fail him; and though Gonsalvo was so too, the Pro­spect of an approaching Victory, supplyed the Defects of his Ability with new Vi­gour which made him Master of this Prin­ces Life. The King, who by chance was not far from this Wood, drawn thither by the Noise and Out-cryes of those that Gon­salvo Commanded away, arrived in this place, and separated the Combatants: He understood by Alamire's Squire, who came in at that instant, his Master's Name; and Gonsalvo seeing Alamire bleed in great abun­dance, gave order to help him.

If the King had followed the first Im­pulse of his angry Thoughts, he had given contrary Orders; but he contented him­self with the Command, that the Prince of Tharsus should be forth-coming, and turn'd all his care towards the Preservation [Page 39]of his Favourite. He caused him to be carryed to the Camp; Alamire was not in a Condition to be carryed so far, but was brought to a Castle that was not far off. As soon as Gonsalvo was arrived, the King desired to know what the Physiti­ans thought of his Wounds: They assured him, there was no danger of his Life. Don Garcias would not leave him, until he had known from his own Mouth, the occasion of this Fight. Gonsolvo, who had nothing in reserve from the King, told him the whole Truth: The King being apprehen­sive, that too long a Discourse would be hurtful to Gonsalvo's Health, would have left him to take his Rest: But Gonsalvo, holding him, said; Leave me not, Sir, to the disorder and confusion of my Thoughts; Help me to dis-intangle my self from the new Trouble, which the Actions, and the Words of Alamire has put me into: He met me without seeming to look for me; He accosts me like one that would Com­plement and Thank me; and of a sud­dain, I see him surpriz'd, troubl'd, and ready to draw upon me: What could he learn in seeing me? Who made him al­ter his Intentions? Who made him fancy, that Zadye was destin'd for me, either by Zulema, or by her self? He could not [Page 40]know from any but her self, that I was his Rival: And if she has given him an ac­count of my Love, it was not to make him fear my Pretensions: He also knows very well, that she is not destin'd for me by Zulema, who knows me not, who is ignorant of my Passion for his Daughter, and whose Religion is opposite to mine. Where­fore, upon what are his Words grounded? and, by what reason should my Counte­nance provoke his Anger, rather than my Name? It is hard, my dear Gonsalvo (an­swer'd the King) to dive into this Myste­rious Adventure: I think seriously of it, but cannot find any satisfactory Reason: Is it not perhaps (said he, of a suddain) for having seen you in Alphonso's Solitude, when you went by the Name of Theodoric, and so, knew you again by your Counte­nance, to be his Rival? Ah Sir (replyed Gonsalvo!) that Thought came into my Imagination too; I found it so funestous to me, that I cannot fancy it to be that: Can it possible be, that Alamire could be hidden in that Defart? Or, Can it pos­sible happen, That the Joy which appea­red sometimes to me to be in Zaydes Eyes, and which caused all my Happiness, was only the Remains of what the sight of Alamire had produced in them? But Sir, [Page 41]continued he, I scarce ever was from her; I should have seen this Prince, if he had ever come to Alphonso's: More-over, this Princess knows who I am; he comes now from her; there is no doubt, but that she has told him; and so, must needs have known Gonsalvo to be the Lover of Zayde, when he met me. I cannot comprehend what should cause so suddain a Change; and I find nothing but Impossibilities in all that I can imagine. Are you sure (said the King) that Alamire has seen Zayde? He pass'd thorow our Camp Yester-day very late; You met him this Morning; It seems to me hard to believe, that he was at Talavera, and came back in so short a time: But, it is no hard matter to know the Truth of this; for, two of my Officers have assur'd me, that they lay last Night where this Prince did; and we shall know from them, where they met him. The King commanded these Offi­cers to be sent for presently; and when they were come, he asked them, in what Place, and what Time they met with Ala­mire.

One of these Officers made Answer; Sir, We were coming Yester-day from A­riobisbe whither we were sent; we made a Halt in the Evening in a great Wood, [Page 42]that is three or four Leagues from the Camp; we lighted, and lay down to sleep in this Wood: I over-heard a Noise that waked me; I saw at a distance (tho­row the Trees) this Arabian Prince speak­ing to a Lady that was Magnificiently Dress'd: This Lady, after a long Confe­rence, left him, and came to sit down by another Lady, not far from the Place where I lay: They spoke loud enough; but I could not understand what they said, be­cause they spoke a Language that I knew not, and which is not the same that the Arabians use: They named Alamire divers times; and, tho their Backs were turn'd so to me, that I could not see their Faces; yet my thought, that she who spake to Alamire, wept bitterly. After this, they went away: I heard Waggons, and a great Noise of Horses going towards Talavera: I awaked my Comrade, and pursued our Way: We saw Alamire at a distance, ly­ing under a Tree, as if he had been indis­posed; his Squire asked me, whether they could reach the Camp of the Arabians by Day-light? I told them, they could not; so they came, and lodged in the same Village where we lay.

The King repented him to have exa­min'd these Officers: As soon as they were [Page 43]gone, Gonsalvo said; You see, Sir, whe­ther I was in the wrong to believe, that Alamire had seen Zayde. But, can you imagine, that it was possible (said the King) for her to come out of the Town, being she is a Prisoner? My ill Fate (Replyed Gonsalvo) never lets me fail of any thing that can prejudice me: I gave order at my coming away, That Zayde might have the Liberty of going out of the Town to take the Aire, as often as she would: She ex­pected Alamire in these Woods: He had reason to send me word, That an Affair of Importance, that concerned not the War, hinder'd him to make any stay in this Camp. He has seen her then Yester-day; She wept when he was gone: It is true then, that Zayde is in Love with Alamire; and now I am no longer in doubt. Leave me Sir! Cast off your Care of a Man, that is too much persecuted by ill Fortune, to deserve your Esteem: I am ashamed to be prized and beloved by you, being so Wretch­ed.

Don Garcias was sensibly touched at the Condition Gonsalvo was in, and endeavou­red to comfort him by the Assurances he gave him of his Affection and Friend­ship.

The next Day, word was brought, that the Prince of Tharsus, his Wounds were very dangerous; his Feaver was so violent the ensuing Dayes, that there was little hopes of his Recovery. Gonsalvo imagin'd, that as soon as Zayde should come to know the danger this Prince was in, she would send to know how he did: He gave or­der to one of his Servants, in whom he confided, to go every day to the Castle where Alamire was kept, to discover whe­ther any came to try if they could see him: He would fain have known, like-wise, Whether there were any of that Re­semblance betwixt them, which caused in him so much Curiosity: But the Extrea­mity, to which this Prince was reduced, hinder'd all Discoveries of that Nature; few or none of the Features of his Face be­ing now distinguishable.

He that was commanded to go to the Castle, acquitted himself of his Commis­sion with Industry: For, he told Gonsalvo, That since Alamire had been there, none had desired to see him; but that certain People, whom he knew not, came every day to know the state of his Health, with­out telling who sent them. Although Gon­salvo doubted no longer of Zaydes Love to Alamire; yet every little Circumstance [Page 45]that assured him of it, gave him new trou­ble and disquiet: the King came into his Tent, as he was agitated with the fresh Affliction he had received; and appre­hending that so many Displeasures would hazard his Life, he forbid all those that came about him, to speak to him of Alamire, or the Princess Zayde.

In the mean while, the Truce was end­ed, and the two Armies fell to Action: Abderame Besieged a little Place, where he expected no great Resistance, by reason of the Inconsiderableness and Weakness of the Place: But it happened, that the Prince of Gallicia, nearly related to Don Gar­cias, who by chance was carryed to this Place, the more commodiously to be cured of some Wounds he had received in the last Battle, undertook the Defence of it, with more Rashness than Courage: At which, Abderame was so enraged, that, as soon as the Town was surrender'd, he caus'd his Head to be struck off. It was not the first time that the Moors abused their Vi­ctories, and treated the bravest of the Nobi­lity of Spain, with a barbarous & unparallel'd Inhumanity. Don Garcias was extreamly incensed at the News of the Death of the Prince of Gallicia: The Spanish Army was no less; they lov'd the Prince; and, al­ready [Page 46]weary of so many Cruelties, for which no publick Satisfaction was made or required; they came in Troops, to Pe­tition the King, that Alamire might be u­sed as the Moors had done the Prince of Gallicia. The King consented to their Desires; because it was dangerous to re­fuse to please an Army so much incensed: He sent word to the King of Cordoua, That he would cause the Prince of Tharsus his Head to be cut off, so soon as he should be in a better condition of Health; and that his Wounds would permit him to be made a Publick Example off, without lea­ving Cause to report, that he had only hasten'd his End.

Gonsalvo, by the King's Order, was ig­norant of what had been transacted, touch­ing Alamire. Some Dayes after, they brought him word, that a Gentleman be­longing to Don Olmond, desired to see him: He order'd him to be admitted. This Gentleman, after having told him, That his Master was extreamly troubled, that the King's Order did detain him at B [...]ragel, and hinder'd him from coming in Person, to ask him how he did, gave him several Pac­quets. Gonsalvo open'd that which was ad­dressed to him, and read in it these Words.

The Name of Alamire, and the last Words of this Letter, caused a very great Dis-order in Gonsalvo: He asked the Gentle­man, What his Master meant, by what he writ concerning the Prince of Gallicia? Although this Gentleman ought not to [Page 48]think, that Gonsalvo was ignorant of what had been done; nevertheless, he infor­med him in few words, of the whole Mat­ter. Gonsalvo Read the Letter which Don Olmond had inclosed, which contained these Words:

Ah Zayde, cryed Gonsalvo! Felime do's but write by your Order: And you com­mand me by this Letter, to preserve your Alamire: How Inhumane is your Cruel­ty? To what Extreams do you reduce me? Are not my Misfortunes great enough? [Page 49]Must I be obliged more-over, to labor for his Preservation, that creates them? Must I oppose the King's Pleasure? His Reso­lution is just: He has been driven to it against his Inclination: I had no share in it: I ought to let Alamire perish, though I were ignorant of his being my Rival, and being beloved of Zayde; But I know it: And this Reason, as Cruel as it is, will not let me consent to his Ruin. What kind of Law is this that I impose upon my self? What manner of Generosity is it, that obliges me to save Alamire? Is it be­cause I know he robs me of Zayde, that I must save his Life? Ought I to pretend, that the King in granting me this Request, should expose himself to the hazard of making his Army Revolt? Shall I for­sake the Interests of Don Garcias, to tear from my own Heart, those sweet Hopes with which the Death of Alamire flatters me? This only Man stands betwixt me and Zayde; and, how-ever she may be pre­possess'd in his Favour; if she were never more to see him, I might promise my self to be Happy.

After these Words, he remain'd a great while, as it were, buryed in a profound Si­lence: At last, he starts up of a suddain; and, though he was extream weak, he [Page 48] [...] [Page 49] [...] [Page 50]caused himself to be carryed to the King's Tent: This Prince was strangely surprized when he saw him, and more when he understood what he came to ask.

Sir, said Gonsalvo, if you have any kindness for me, be pleased to grant me Alamire's Life: I cannot live if you make him dye. What is this you say Gonsalvo, replyed the King? By what Accident do's the Life of the Man that makes you miserable, become so necessary to your Quiet? Zadye Sir, commands me (said he) to preserve it; I must endeavour to answer the good Opinion she has conceived of me: She knows I Adore her, and ought to hate this Prince; and yet she has so much Confidence in me, that she believes me so far from con­senting to his Death, that I will endea­vour to save him from the Death that is intended him. She is willing to owe me the Life of her Lover; I beg it of you, by all your Goodness. I must not hear (said the King) such Desires, which a blind kind of Generosity inspires, and a Passion that leaves you not the use of your Reason: I must Act pursuant to my own Interest and yours. The Prince of Tharsus must dye, to teach the King of Cordoua, to make better use of the Law of Arms; and to appease my Troops, which [Page 51]are ready to Mutiny: He must dye like­wise, to leave you sole Possessor of Zayde, and to hinder him from disturbing your Quiet hereafter. Ah Sir! shall I find a­ny Quiet (replyed Gonsalvo) in seeing Zayde displeased with me? and in despair for the Death of her Lover? I must think no more of disputing Zayde with Alamire, whether he lives or dyes; I must not render my self worthy of the ill usage of Fortune, by an unreasonable Obstinacy: I will make Zayde pity me, since she could not love me; nor will I leave it in her Pow­er, either to despise or hate me. Take time (said the King) to examine what it is you ask me; and consider with your self, whether you ought to desire it. No Sir (replyed Gonsalvo) I will not have the leasure to change my Opinion; nor to be exposed to oppose a second time, those vain and flattering Hopes, which the thought of alamire's Death has already given me; nor would I give Zayde room to believe, that I was any way irresolute in the Choise I make: And I beg of you the Favour, to declare even now, That you have granted me this Princes Life. I do promise you (replyed the King) to leave him to your Disposal; But you must conceal it yet a while from the Knowledg [Page 52]of the World. You know our Designe upon Oropese; the Inhabitants are this Night to open us the Gates; If the En­terprize succeeds, the Joy of the happy Success, may perhaps dispose the Army to milder Thoughts: Felime will be in our Power; know of her, whether Ala­mire be beloved of Zayde: Dive into the Secrets of your Destiny, before you de­cide the Fate of this Prince; and put your self into a Condition of taking such Re­solutions, whereof you may not Repent hereafter. But Sir, perhaps Felime may not be willing to discover the Sentiments of Zayde to me. To oblige her to it (in­terrupted the King) send word to Don Olmond, that you will not undertake what she desires, unless you know the true Reasons why she is so much concerned for the Preservation of Alamire. It is Don Olmond, that is ordered to enter Oropese; and you will know by him, all that con­cerns you to learn. I submit, Sir, (answered Gonsalvo) upon Condition, that you will per­mit me to oblige the Army, to come of themselves to you, to beg Alamire's Life, at the same time, that the News of the taking Oropese is Published: And as Fe­lime shall be our Prisoner, Don Olmond may conceal from her the Grace you in­tend, [Page 53]until she has discovered all that con­cerns this Prince. Zayde shall know, that I have obeyed her Commands, at that very instant, that I received them; and she shall judge by this blind Obedience, that if I renounce the Pretensions I had to her Affections, I was not unworthy to possess them.

The King granted all that Don Gonsal­vo desired; but, at the same time, com­manded him to write to Don Olmond a­bout what they had resolved: The King spent part of the Night with his Favou­rite, who began to sink under the Vio­lence he had used against himself, in sa­crificing to an exact Generosity (from which he expected no Advantage) all the Hopes of a Passion, which possess'd his whole Heart.

The next Day, Don Garcias received Letters of the Prosperous Success of their Enterprize upon Oropese; he sent the News of it to Gonsalvo; and, at the same time, sent him word, that he gave him Liberty to use his Endeavours for the saving of Ala­mire's Life. Gonsalvo caused himself to be carryed into the Camp, with the same Alacrity and Earnestness of Mind, as if the Success of his Undertaking were to assure the Conquest of Zayde: And with [Page 54]the same Countenance, and the same Voyce, which he so often had made use of, to inspire Courage into his Souldiers, to follow him to Victory, shewed them what a shame they went about to cause him, in desiring to take away a Princes Life, who had not been in their Power, but for his ingaging with him: He told them, That by this Death (of which he should ever be thought the Author) they made him lose all the Honour he had won with them in so many Battles: That he was at that instant, going to the King, to lay down his Commission, and the Command he had of the Army, in order to his De­parture out of Spain: That he left it to their Choyce, either to be Witnesses of his taking his leave of the King; or else, to go at that instant, and beg Alamire's Life. Scarce did the Souldiers give him leave to make an end of his Speech; but thronging about him (as it were), to hin­der him from going away, followed him to Don Garcias his Tent; so animated by the General's Words, that it seem'd now as dangerous to refuse them Alamire's Life, as some Days past not to grant them his Death.

In the mean time, Don Olmond, amidst so many Troubles he had in the setling a Town newly taken, bethought him of [Page 55] Consalvo, whose Interest requir'd he should entertain Felime: He sent to desire leave to speak to her, with the same Respect, as if the Law of Arms had not given him a free and full Disposal of her: He found her in a deep Melancholly, for, what happen'd that Day, as well as a great Fit of Sickness, which her Mother had for some time, seemed the Causes thereof.

So soon as they could talk without be­ing heard; Well (said she) Don Olmond, Have you prevail'd with Don Gonsalvo, to save Alamire's Life? Madam (answered he,) that Princes Destiny is in your Hands. In my Hands, cryed she? Alas, by what Accident can it be in my Power to do any thing, that may preserve him? I'le secure you his Life, replyed he: But to make me able to keep my Word; you must inform me of the Reasons that move you so eagerly to work his safety: You must tell it to me truly, with all the Cir­cumstances, and every thing you know concerning this Prince. Ah, Don Olmond (replyed she!) what is this you ask me? At this, she remain'd silent for a while; then, of a suddain, said; Do not you know, that he is Osmin and Zulema's near Kins-man? That we have been acquain­ted with him a great while? That he is [Page 56]a Person of extraordinary Merit? Is not this enough to make me concern'd for his Life? But, Madam, (replyed Don Olmond,) the concern you have for his Safe­ty, has other more pressing Reasons: If you think it too much trouble to let me know it, you are free to let it alone; but you must be content to free me from the In­gagement I gave you. How Don Olmond (said she?) Must this be the Ransom of Alamire's Life? What will it avail you, to know what you ask? I am sorry, I cannot tell you (answered Don Olmond): But Madam, once more, I cannot do any thing for him, but upon these Terms: All is left to your Choice. Felime remain'd a good while, with her Eyes fix'd upon the Ground, in so profound a silence, that Don Olmond wondered at it: At last, taking Courage; I am going (said she, to him) to do that thing, which of all things in the World, I thought I should never have the Power over my self to do: The good O­pinion I have of you, and the Friendship I have for you, help much to confirm me, as well as the Desire I have to save Alamire's Life. You must keep my Counsel invio­lably; and give ear, with Patience, to the Relation I am going to make you; which cannot but be tedious to you.

The HISTORY of ZAIDE and FELIME

Cid Rahis was Brother to Caliphe Osman, and might have disputed (by Birth­right) the Empire with him, had he not been so unfortunate, as to be abandoned by all those that gave him Hopes of their Assistance; and thereby, was compelled to renounce his pretension, and consent to be banished into the Isle of Cyprus, under co­lour of being made Commander in Chief there. Zulema, and Osman, whom you know were his Children; They were Young and Handsome, and had given many Signal Testimonies of their Valour: They both fell in Love with two Women of extraordinary Beauty, and great Quality; who were Si­sters, and were deseended of a long succes­sion of Princes; Who formerly bare the chief sway in this Island, before it fell un­der the Command of the Arabians: The one was called Alasinthe, the other Belenia. Osman and Zulema, being well skild in the Greek Tongue, found no difficulty to make themselves to be understood, by these two Ladies, who were Christians; But the dif­ference of their Religion, made none in [Page 58]their inclinations; They mutually loved passionately: And so soon as the Cid Rahis, his death, left them their liberty; Zulema married Alasinthe, & Osmin married Belenia: They con­sented, that their Children should be brought up in the Christian Religion; and made them believe, they would be so themselves within a short time. I was born of Osmin & Belenia, & Zayde of Zulema and Alasinthe: The Passion of Osimin and Zulema made them continue some years in Cyprus: But, at last, the desire they had to find out a fa­vourable Conjuncture of renewing the pretensions of their Father, call'd them back into Affrick: At first, they conceived great hopes; For, contrary to the Rules of true Policy, the Caliphe that succeeded Osman, gave them such considerable Employments, that Alasinthe and Beleny could not com­plaine of their being far from them: But af­ter five of six years absence, they began to murmur, and be much afflicted: They found that they were not all this while in the Wars, but had other Occupations: They heard from them sometimes; but they not coming, made them believe themselves for­saken: Alasinthe therefore thought no more of any thing, but of Zayde, who even at that age deserved all her Application: And Bel­lenia made me the sole object of all her care.

When we were pass'd our Infancy, Alasinthe and Belenia retired into a Castle upon the Sea-side; where they led a Life conformable to their Sadness: The regard, they had for Zayde and me, made them live with a Grandure and Magnificence, which perhaps by their own inclinations, they would have been glad to leave. We had divers young people of Quality about us; and there was nothing wanting, that might contribute to our Education, and the Di­vertisement, that were sutable to the place where we were brought up. Zayde, and I, had as great tyes of Love and Friendship for each other, as we had of Blood and Affinity. I was two years older than she: There was also some diffe­rence in our Humours; Mine was less inclinable to Mirth; it was easie to per­ceive it in our Conversation: Zayde had also a great advantage of Beauty over me.

Some time before the Emperor Leo sent to invade Cyprus, we were walking by the Sea-side; The Sea was very Calm, there was not a breath of Wind stirring; We pray'd Alasinthe, and Belenia, to be pleased to let us go to Sea in Boats, to divert us. We took divers Young People with us; we made our Barge-men Row towards [Page 60]some great Ships, that were at Anchor in the Road: As we came neer these Vessels, we saw several long Boats put off, whom we judged to be full of Arabians, that were going ashore: These Boats Steared towards us; In the first of which, were several persons richly attired; one of which, by his Noble Aire, and the Beauty and Comliness of his Person, ap­peared to be somewhat more then any of those that were about him; This Rencounter Surprized us, and made us judge it not fit for us to venture further to Sea; and that we ought not to give, those that were in the other Boats, occasion to believe that our Curiosity to see them, had led us that way: We made our Barge fall off to the Leeward; the Boat we endeavoured to avoid, Tacked after us; but the rest made towards the Shore; The other followed us so neer, that we could perceive the man we remarked above the rest, looking steadfastly upon us; who seemed to take pleasure in following us. Zayde was extreamly taken with the Ad­venture, and caused our Boat to Tack, to see if the other would follow us still, For my part, I was strangely concern'd, without knowing why: I looked earnest­ly upon him, that seemed the Chief a­mongst [Page 61]them; and considering him at so neer a distance, I found somthing in his face so fair, and so agreeable, that I thought I had never seen any thing more pleasing in all my life. I told Zayde, we must put to shore; and that, without doubt, when Alasinthe and Belenia had given us leave to come off, they did not think we should have met with such an Adventure. She was of my opinion; we rowed to­wards the shore! The Boat followed us, got a head of us, and put to shore near the other Boats, that were already landed.

So soon as we touched, we saw him that we had remarked, followed by a great many other, advancing towards us; and offered us his hand, with an Ayre, that shewed he had already learnt vvho vve vvere. Zaydes and my astonishment vvas great; vve were not used to be accosted vvith so much boldness; and above all, by Arabians, for vvhom we vvere taught an ex­tream aversion: We believed, that he vvould be surprized, vvhen he should find, that vve did not understand his Language; but vve vvere more our selves, vvhen vve found that he Spoke ours vvith the same exactness, and Eloquence, vvhich the an­cient Greeks used in former times.

I know Madam (said he, to Zayde, vvho went before) that an Arabian should not be so bold as to approach your Presence, vvithout first asking your leave: But I believe, that vvhat vvould be thought a crime in another, is pardonable in a man that has the honour, to be allied to the Princes Zulema, and Osmin. Being Curious to see vvhat was most remarkable in Greece, I thought, I could not satisfie that Curiosity better, than in beginning vvith the Isle of Cyprus: And my good fortune made me find at my first Arrival in it, that vvhich I should have fought in vain, in all the other parts of the World.

In saying these vvords, he fixed his eyes sometimes upon Zayde, and sometimes upon me, vvith such demonstrations of a true Admiration, that vve could hardly doubt, but that he really thought, vvhat he said to us. I know not vvhether I was al­ready prepossessed, or vvhether it vvas the solitude of the place vvhere vve lived, that made me think this Adventure very agreeable: But I must confess, that I never saw any thing so surprising. Alasinthe and Belenia, vvho vvere at some distance from us advanced towards us; and sent before, to knovv the Name of this nevv-come Stranger: They vvere informed, that it [Page 63]vvas Alamire Prince, of Tharsus, Son to that Alamire, vvho assumed the Title of Calyphe, and vvhose power vvas so terrible to the Chri­stians: They knevv the affinity that vvas be­twixt this Prince and Zulema; So that, the respect vvhich vvas due to his Birth, toge­ther with the desire of hearing from them, made them receive him with a lesse A­version, than they used to have for the Arabians. Alamire by his words, increased the disposition they had to receive him more favourably: He spoke to them of Zulema, and Osmin, whom he had seen a little before his Departure; and blamed them for being Capable of abandoning two Persons so worthy of their Love. Their Conversation was so long upon the Sea-side, and Alamire appeared so agreeable, even in the eyes of Alasinthe, and Belenia, that contrary to the Resolution they had taken of avoiding the company of all strangers, they could not avoid offering him Lodg­ings in their Habitation. Alamire told them, that although, he knew that Civility ought to forbid him, accepting the offer they made him; yet that he could not re­ject it, because he would not deprive him­self of the pleasure he took, in being Con­versant with persons that had given him so much Admiration: Wherefore he walked a­long [Page 64]with us, and presented to us a person, for whom he shewed much esteem, whose name was Mulziman. All that evening, Alamire continued to confirme us in the esteem, we at first conceived of him. I was every Moment so astonished at the plea­santnesse of his wit, and gracefulness of his person; And this astonishment was so pow­erfull upon me, that I might well even then Judge, there was something more in it, then a bare Surprize; Me thought he viewed me with a great deal of attention, and gave me Commendations that made me think, that my person was at least as pleasing to him as Zaydes.

The next day, instead of going away, as in all likelihood he should have done, he in­gaged Alasinthe, and Belenia, to pray him to stay. He sent for very fine Horses, which he had brought with him, and caused them to be rid by several of his People; and rid them himself with that grace, and dex­terity, which is particular to those of his Nation; He found pretences to stay three or four dayes with us; and wrought so up­on Alasinthe, and Belenia, that they consented to admit his visits, during his abode in Cy­prus. At his going from us, he told me, that if his presence had been troublesome to me, or should be [Page 65]for the future, I must blame my self alone for it; Nevertheless I had taken notice, that his looks were often upon Zayde; And I observed likewise that his eyes, were as often fixed upon me, after a manner which appeared so natural to me, that joyn­ing the Language of his Eyes, with many things which he had said to me, I remain­ed convinced, that I had made some im­pressions upon his heart. O Gods! How deep were those he made upon mine: As soon as he was out of my sight, I felt a sadness that was utterly unknown to me; I quitted Zaydes company; I went dreaming about; my thoughts were confused; I was weary of my self: I came again to find Zayde, and my thoughts it was onely, that I might speak to her of Alamire; I found her busy with her Maids, making Gar­lands of Flowers: And she seemed to me as unconcerned, as if she never had seen this Prince; I felt a kind of a Mazement at her being so busy with her Flowers, and found my self so little disposed to amuse my self with them, that I snatched them from her whether she would or no. We went to walk; I talked to her of Alamire; I told her, that I saw him look very much upon her; she made answer, that she did not observe it; I endeavoured to find out [Page 66]whether she had taken notice of the in­clination which he professed for me; but I found, she had not so much as a thought of it; And I remained so astonished, and so confounded to see the different Effects, which the sight of Alamire had upon Zayde, from those it had wrought upon me, that I blamed my self, and used such reproaches against my self, as were already but too just.

Some days after, he came to see us; at a time, when Alasinthe and Beleny were gone abroad, and were not to return un­till night; Alamire appeared to me more Lovely than ever; and as Zayde was not present, it was my Misfortune to see him, when there was nothing that could divert his attention from looking upon me; and made me so many protestations of his love, that the inclination I had for him, per­swaded me that I was as acceptable and pleasing to him, as he was to me; He took his leave of me before the hour that Zayde was to return, after such a manner, that I flattered my self with the opinion, that he had no thoughts of seeing her; she returned a great while after, and I was surprized when Alasinthe told me that they met him very neer the Castle, and that he came back to conduct them to the Castle Gate; I fancied by the space of time, [Page 67]since he left me, he should have been far­ther off than they said; and that if he had not waited for them, he could not have met them, This thought gave me some disquiet; Nevertheless I did attribute their meeting, to Chance rather than any thing else, yet I was in greater impatience to see Alamire again, then ever I had felt be­fore: He came some dayes after to bring Alasinthe the news of the Warr the Em­peror Leo Designed to make against Cy­prus. And this news that was of such Consequence, served him as a pretence to come more often to see us; And as often as he came, he still made the same protestations of love to me, as former­ly; I had need of all my reason to con­ceal from him the Disposition of mind in which I was towards him; and perhaps all my reason would have been too weak, if the Concern I saw he had sometimes for Zayde did not help to retain me, for all that I attributed what I saw him do to please her, onely to his innate Civility and he had addresse enough, to hide from me what might give me other thoughts.

We had intelligence that the Emperors Fleet was in sight of our Coasts; Alamire per­swaded Alasinthe, and Beleny to leave the place we were in; Although our Religion [Page 68]gave us no Apprehension of the Emperors forces; yet the Alliance we had with the Arabians, and the apprehensions we had of the disorders, which attends upon War, obliged us to follow Alamire's Counsels, and remove to Famagosta; I was very glad of it, both because I thought I should be in the same place with Alamire, and that Zayde and I should be no longer Lodged together: Her Beauty was so dreadfull to me, that I was glad to be where Alamire might see me, without seeing her. I believed, I should be fully satisfied of his intentions towards me, and should see whether I ought to abandon my self to the inclination I had for him; but my heart was no longer in my power: I am perswaded neverthelesse, that if I had been then as well informed of Alamires humours as I have been since, I might have defended my self against the inclina­tion which drew me to Love him: But as I knew onely the agreeable, and charming qualifications of his Wit and Person, to­gether with the Passion he pretended for me, it was hard for me to resist an incli­nation, which was so violent and so natural.

The day we arrived at Famagosta, he came to meet us; Zayde was that day so Charm­ingly Beautifull, that she appeared in the [Page 69]eyes of Alamire, what he appeared in mine; That is to say, the only person, that can please; I perceived the extraordinary care he took to view her attentively. When we were arrived, Alasinthe and Be­leny separated; Alamire followed Zayde, without so much as pretending an excuse to leave me; I remained struck with the sharpest grief I ever felt; I knew by the violence thereof, the true Passion I had for this Prince, and this knowledge increased my sadness: I now saw the Horrible Misfortune, I was fallen into by my own fault; but after having afflicted my self for a long time, I saw some beams of hope still: I Flattered my self, as all those that are in Love do; and I fan­cied that some Reasons, unknown to me, might occasion what displeased me; I was not long fed with this weak hope: Ala­mire for a while would have us believe, that he lov'd us both; that he might de­termine afterwards, according to the usage he received, to whom he should stick: But the Beauty of Zayde, without the succour of hope, carried it; Nay, he had forgotten, that he had ever endeavoured to perswade me to believe that he had a kind­nesse for me: He seldom or never came to see me after; or if he did, it was to [Page 70]follow Zayde; he loved her with an extra­ordinary passion. In sine, I saw him in that condition for her, as I should have been for him if decency would have pormitted me to shew my sentiments for him.

I know not, whether it be necessary, for me to tell you what I suffered, and the va­rious impulses that perplexed my heart; I could not endure to see him with Zayde, and to see him so Amorous of her; and of the otherside, I could not live without him; I had rather see him with Zayde, than not to see him at all; in the mean while, what he did to gain her esteem instead of lesse­ning my Passion, raised it to the highest pitch: All his words, and all his Actions were so adapted to my fancy, that if I could inspire a conduct into those that should de­sire to please me, it should be that which Alamire used towards Zayde. It is true, that it is so dangerous a matter to see Love made, that it inflames even those to whom it makes no tenders nor addresses; Zayde gave me an account of his thoughts for her, and her aversion for him; when she spoke to me after that manner of him, I was sometimes ready to discover to her the dis­position I was in, to engage her by this confession not to suffer the continuation of this Princes love, but I was fearfull of [Page 71]making him appear more lovely to her, by showing how much he was beloved; yet I set my self a Rule not to render any ill offices to Alamire; I was so sensible of the Horrible Misfortune of not being lov­ed again, that I resolved not to contribute to his feeling of it, whom I so passionate­ly loved; and perhaps, it was the little propensity I saw in Zayde towards him, that made me stedfast to that resolution.

The Emperors Troops were so conside­rable, that there was no doubt made but that Cyprus would quickly fall into his hands: upon the noise of this invasion Zulema, and Osimin awakened out of their profound Oblivion, in which they had so long continued; the Caliphe began to be afraid of them, and seemed to be re­solved to send them further off, they pre­vented him by desiring him to give them the command of those forces, which he intended for the relief of Cyprus; and we saw them arrived, when we least expect­ed them: this was a sensible joy for Ala­sinthe and Beleny, and it would have been so for me, if I had been capable of it; but I was oppressed with sorrow, and the Arrival of Zulema gave me new appre­hensions, fearing he should favour Al­mires designes. My fears were not with­out [Page 72]cause, Zulema, who by his long a­bode in Affrica, grew more stubborn and stedfast to his Religion than ever; wished, that Zayde would leave hers: He came from Tunis, with design to carry her thi­ther, and to marry her to the Prince of Fez, of the house of Idris: But the Prince of Tharsus, appeared so deserving of his Daughter, that he approved of his passion for her: I saw then a necessity of endea­vouring to hinder, that Zayde should not love Alamire; it being the only thing I ap­prehended most in the world, to see him happy by her means.

This Princes passion was grown so vio­lent, that all that knew him were amazed at it. Mulziman, of whom I spoke to you, whom I entertained sometimes because Al­amire had a kindness for him, seemed to me so astonished at it, that I concluded that this Prince never until then; had been susceptible of a Passion so strange and last­ing. Alamire made Zulema understand the intentions he had for his Daughter; and Zulema acquainted Zayde, with the desire he had she should Marry Alamire: As soon as she was told of the thing she most appre­hended, she came to tell me of it, with such marks of disquiet, that, I confess, I was puzled to comprehend the reason of [Page 73]her Affliction for being design'd to spend her Days with Alamire. This unfaithful Man had so throughly forgotten those Pro­testations he had made me, that being in­formed by Zulema, of the Aversion which Zayde had for him, he came to make his moan to me, and to implore my Assis­tance. All my Reason, and my Resoluti­on, were scarce strong enough to con­tain me; I felt such a conflict and agita­tion of Mind, that he might easily have perceived it, if he had not been prepossess'd with the same Passion that disorder'd me. At last, after a silence, which but two plainly spoke my mind; I told him, I wonder'd much at Zaydes Resistance against Zulema's Will; but I am the most unfit Person in the World to make her change her Opinion. I should speak against my own Judgment; and besides, the misfor­tune of being tied to one of your Nation, is so well known to me, that I cannot perswade Zayde to expose her self to it. Belenia, has too well informed me ever since I was capable of knowing any thing; and I believe Alasinthe has so throughly in­structed her Daughter, that it will not be easie to make her Consent to what you desire; and for my part, I assure you once more, that I am the unfittest Person in the World to undertake it.

Alamire was out of his Wits, to find me so indisposs'd to favour him; yet he was in hopes to win upon me, by letting me see his Affliction, and the violence of his Passion for Zayde. I was in despair, to hear what he said upon this occasion; and yet I could not but pity him, through the Conformity that was betwixt our Misfortunes: All my Thoughts were di­stracted: The Aversion which Zayde shew­ed for him, gave me some Joy, by the Sweetness of Revenge, which I tasted plentifully: And yet my Glory was offen­ded, to see one that I so much Adored, thus despised.

I resolved to tell Zayde the State of my Heart; but before I would do it, I pres­sed her to consider well with her self, Whether she should alwayes be able to resist the Designe Zulema had, of Marry­ing her to Alamire? She told me, There was no Extreamity, which she would not indure, rather than consent to marry a Man so opposite in Religion to hers; and whose Laws permitted him, to take as ma­ny Wives as he pleased: But, that she believed, that Zulema would not compel her; or, if he should endeavour it, that Alasinthe would find means to hinder him. What Zayde had told me, gave me all the [Page 75]Joy imaginable: And I began to endeavour to tell her, what I had resolved to discover to her; but I found more Difficulty and Relu­ctancy, than I thought. In fine, I over-came all the Oppositions of Pride and Bash­fulness; and I told her, with many Tears, the State I was in: She was strangely a­mazed at it; and she seemed as much concerned at my ill Fate, as I could wish. But why (said she) did you conceal your Thoughts with so much Care, from him that gave them Birth? I do not doubt, but that if he had at first discovered them, he would have Loved you; and I believe, That if he should yet be made sensible of your Inclination for him, the Hope of be­ing Beloved, together, with the ill Usage he receives from me, would quickly make him forsake me: Will not you give me leave (added she, Embracing me) to try to make him conceive, that he ought rather to address himself to you, than to me? Ah Zayde (answered I!) Do not rob me of the only thing that hinders me from dying with more Grief; I should not be able to survive Alamire's Knowledge of the Concern I have for him; not only the In­terest of my Honour would make me in­consolable; but I should be likewise so, by that of my Passion: I might flatter my [Page 76]self with the Hope of being Beloved, if he should know my Inclination to Love him: Yet I know, Love do's not alwayes beget Love: Therefore, I will not deprive my self of that Hope, as weak as it is, since it is the only Comfort I have left me. I gave Zayde so many other Reasons, that she was of my Opinion, that I ought not to discover my Passion to Alamire: I found a great Ease, in having open'd my Heart to her, and much Satisfaction in making my moan to her.

The Wars in the mean-time, held on still; though at such a Rate, as was plain­ly to be seen, that we should not be able to hold out long: All the Country was lost, but Famagosta, Alamire expos'd him­self every Day, with a Valour or a Teme­rity, that clearly shewed the Despair he was in: Mulziman would tell me of it, with an extraordinary Affliction; and he so often hinted to me, the Amazement he was in, to behold Alamire so violently pas­sionate of Zayde, that I could not forbear asking him the Reason; and pressing him to tell me, Whether Alamire had never been in Love before he saw Zayde? He made some difficulty, to tell me the cause of his Astonishment: But, I conjured him so efficaciously, that (at last) he told me the [Page 77]Adventures of that Prince. I will not trouble you with the whole Story, because it would be too tedious; But only, what may suffice to let you know Alamire's and my Misfortunes.

The HISTORY of Alamire, Prince of Tharsus.

I Have already acquainted you with Ala­mire's Birth. What I have told you of his Person, and my thoughts of him, ought to perswade you, that he is as worthy of Love as a man, can be: He had likewise, made it his whole Study, from his Youth, to gain the love of all Women: And al­though the manner of living, of the Ara­bian Women, be directly opposit to Gal­lantry, Alamires addresse, and the pleasure he took in Surmounting difficulties, made all that easie to him, which would have been thought impossible by others. As this Prince was unmarried, and his Re­ligion gave him the liberty to have se­veral Wives: so there was not a Young Lady in Tharsus, that did not flatter her self with the hopes of Marrying him. Nor was he sorry to find, that this hope made him to be more fayourably [Page 78]used; But his inclination lead him to no ingagement that he could not break at pleasure. He aimed at nothing but be­ing Beloved; the pleasure of being in Love was utterly unknown to him: he never had a sincere Passion; but he was so well Versed in appearing in Love, with­out being so; that he perswaded all those, he had thought worthy, of his Love. It is true also, that during the time, he made it his business to please; the desire of making himself to be Beloved, gave him a kind of Ardour, which might be taken for a real Passion: but as soon as 0202 he saw himself beloyed, having nothing more in his desires, and not being enough in Love, to find any Pleasure in Love a­lone, separated from Difficulties, and In­tregues, he thought of nothing more but how to break with those that loved him, and to find out others whom he might draw into the same Ingagements.

One of his Favorites called Selemin, was privy to all his Amours, and was himself as unconstant; the Arabians do celebrate certain Feasts at certain times of the year; it is the only time that the Women have any liberty; they are permitted at those times to go about the Town, and to walk in the publick Gardens; they assist at [Page 79]the solemn Plays, which are shewed som­times, but always Vail'd: Alamire and Se­limin waited with impatience for those Opportunities; they never failed of finding out some new unknown Beauties, and ways of speaking to them, and managing some private Intregues with them.

Upon one of these Feasts, Alamire saw a young Widdow called Naria, whose Ver­tue, Beauty, and Riches, were extraor­dinary, by chance unveiled as she was speaking to one of her Slaves; he was surprized with the Charms of her Beauty; she was a little startled at the sight of this Prince, but could not forbear looking ear­nestly upon him: which he perceived, he followed her, and made it his business to let her take notice that he did so. In fine, he had seen a Fine Woman, and was seen by her, and that was enough to erect in him both Love and Hope; the Cha­racter he received of Naria's Vertue and Witt, doubled in him the desire he had to make her in Love with him; he sought Her in all places with much industry, he passed very often by her House without seeing her, or being seen by her; he met her by chance as she was going to a Bath; and was so happy as to have a sight of her Face two or three times, and as of­ten [Page 80]found her most Beautiful; and was so smitten with her, that he believed she designed to put a stop to all his lightness, and inconstancy,

Several Days passed before Alamire could find any signe that Naria approved of his Love, and begun to be very much con­cerned at it; Yet for all that, he did not quit the Designe he had laid, to gain the good Esteem of her, or those other fair Persons; and above all, of a young Lady, called Zoromade, very considerable by her Father's Quality, as well as her own Beauty: The difficulty of seeing her, was almost as great, as that of seeing Naria; But he was perswaded, that this Fair Maid would have easily found means to over­come them, if she were not so narrowly watched by her Mother: So that, he was not so eager to surmount these Obstacles, as he was to over-come Narias Resistance; being she had no Body to controul her: He had endeavoured two or three times, but in vain, to gain some of her Slaves, to know from them the Dayes she used to go Abroad, and the Places where he might see her: At last, one of those that seemed the most Obstinate, promised him to give him Notice of all she did. Two Dayes after, he told him, She was going [Page 81]to a very fine Garden, she had out of Town; and that, if he would please to walk about that, there were about it Risings, from whence he might easily see her. A­lamire made use of this Intelligence: He goes out of Tharsus disguised, and passed all the Afternoon about this Garden.

Towards Evening, as he was ready to return, he saw a Door open, and per­ceived it was the Slave, which he had gained; who beckon'd to him to ap­proach: He believed Naria was walking, and that he might have a sight of her from that Door: He advances, and en­ters into a Magnificient Arbor, richly a­dorned with all things that might add to its Beauty: But what surprized him most, was the Sight of Naria, sitting upon Cushi­ons under a stately Canopy, after the re­semblance of the Goddess of Love; two or three of her Women stood at a Corner of the Arbor: Alamire could not forbear running towards her, and casting himself at her Feet, with an Air so full of Transport and Astonishment, that he augmented the mo­dest Blushes, which appeared on the Face of this Beautiful Lady.

I know not (said she to him, intreating him to rise) whether I ought of a suddain, to shew you the Inclination I had for you, [Page 82]having concealed it so long a time from you: I believe, I should have hid it, all my Life-time, if you had taken less pains to shew me the Love you had for me; But, I confess, I could not but resist a Passion that was pursued and maintained upon such weak and slender Hopes. The first Moment I saw you, you appeared Lovely to me; I have endeavoured to see you undiscovered, with more care than you did to see me: In fine, I was desirous to be as well assured of the Passion you had for me, by your Words, as you had con­vinced me of it by your Actions.

Great Gods! What Assurance could Na­ria have in Alamire's Words! She little knew the bewitching and inevitable Charms of his alluring Speeches: He out­did all the Hopes she conceived of his Love; and by his flattering and insinua­ting Wit, he gained an intire Conquest over the Heart of this Lovely Creature: She promis'd to give him a second Meeting in the same place: He returns to Tharsus, fully perswaded, that he was the Man of the World, the most in Love; and had almost perswaded Mulziman and Selemin, that he was so. He visited Naria divers times; who shewed him the greatest In­clination, and truest Marks of Love, that [Page 83]ever were: But she told him, That she had learnt, the great Disposition he had to Change: That she was incapable of giving any share of her Heart to any other; and that, if he intended to preserve hers, he must think of no Body else: And up­on the first occasion she should have of being Jealous of him, she would for ever break with him. Alamire answered her with so many Oaths, and so much Address, that he perswaded her of his Eternal Fide­lity.

But the very Thought of such a strict Engagement troubled him; and as there were no Obstacles to hinder him from the Freedom of seeing her, his Love began to grow cold: Nevertheless, he continued making still the same Protestations of Love to her. As she had no other Thoughts but of Marrying him, she believed there was nothing could obstruct it, since she both Loved, and was Beloved of him; insomuch, that she begun to talk to him of Marriage: Alamire was surprized at the Discourse; but his Address was such, that the Surprize was not taken notice of; And Naria made a full Account, that in a few Dayes, she should be Marryed to this Prince.

Since his Love for Naria began to dimi­nish, his Pursuit of Zoromade began to increase: And by the Assistance of an Aunt of Selimens, whom her Nephew's Favour made Complaisant to the Princes Passion, he found means to write to her: The Impossibility of seeing her, was still the same, by which his Passion still aug­mented.

All his Hopes was in the Feast, that is kept in the beginning of the Year: It was the Custom, to send great Presents one to another, during this Feast; and the Streets were crowded with Slaves, la­den with all that was Rich and Rare to be found. Alamire sent Presents to divers Persons: Naria, being of a haughty and and proud Disposition, would not give way to any considerable Presents; yet he sent her some Arabian Sweets, which were so Rare, that none had any of them but himself; and sent them with all the Ornaments, that might make them more agreeable to her.

Naria's Passion was grown so violent for this Prince, upon the Receipt of this Present, that if she had followed the Dicta­ments of her Heart, she had staid at Home to think of him; and would have avoided all Divertisements, where he was not to be [Page 85]Notwithstanding, being invited by Zoro­mades Mother to a Feast at their House, she could not with Decency gratify her Inclination herein. She went thither, and was not a little surprized at the Smell of the same Perfumes, as she came into a large Closet, which Alamire had sent. She stop­ped with some Astonishment, to inquire from whence that Pleasant Smell came? Zoromade, who was Young, and not used to conceal any thing, Blush'd, and was out of Countenance: Her Mother seeing her make no Answer, said, She thought, they came from Selimen's Aunt, who had sent them to her Daughter. This Answer confirmed Naria, that they came from the Prince: She saw them with the same Orna­ments as hers were, but some-what Richer. This Discovery made so violent an Impressi­on upon her, that she feigned her self in­disposed, and went Home as really sick, as she desired to appear: She was violent, and quick of Apprehension; The Thought of being deceived by the Man she Adored, put her into a deplorable Condition: But, before she would give her self up to De­spair, she took a Resolution to be more fully informed of the Princes Infideli­ty.

She sent him word, That she was sick, [Page 86]and that she could not go to any of the Publick Entertainments, during these Fe­stivals. Alamire came to see her; and assured her, that he also would not see any of those Publick Divertisements, since she could not be there: and talked to her after a manner, that did almost per­swade her, that she did him wrong to sus­pect him. Nevertheless, as soon as he was gone, she got up, and disguis'd her self so, that she could not be known: She fre­quented those Places, where it was most likely to find him. The first Object that offer'd, was Alamire disguised; but no Disguise could hide him from her: She saw him following Zoromade; and during the Playes that were Represented, she perceiv­ed him alwayes close by this Fair Lady. The next Day, she followed him again; But, instead of finding him in Pursuit of Zoromade, she saw him in another Dis­guise, closely Courting another Lady: Her Grief, at first, began to lessen; and she was not a little pacifyed, to think that Alamire had only talked to Zoromade, by Accident, or to divert himself only. She crowded her self, amongst those Wo­men that attended this Young Lady, whom Alamire followed; and she came so near to him, that at the turning of a Street, [Page 87]where this Young Lady made a stop, she heard Alamire speaking to her, with the same Aire, and those very Terms, that had so forcibly perswaded her of his Love. Judge what became of Naria, and the sen­sible Affliction she felt. She would have thought her self Happy at that time, if she could have been convinced, that Zo­romade was the only Object of Alamire's Pursuit. She would believe, at least, that the Inclination he might have for this Beautiful Person, might cause his Change: She might have slatter'd her self to have been Beloved of him, before his Inclinati­on for Zoromade: But finding, that he was able to have the same Care, and speak the same Words, to two or three at the same time, she was satisfyed, that she on­ly had busted his Wit, and not possessed his Heart; and that she was only amused, without attaining to her Happiness.

It was such a cruel Adventure for a Per­son of her Humour, that she had not Force enough to bear it: She returns Home o­ver-whelmed with Grief and Affliction; where she found a Letter from Alamire, assuring her, that he was shut up in his Closet at Home; not being able to in­dulge himself the Pleasure of seeing the Publick Entertainments, since he could [Page 88]not hope for that, of seeing her there. This Cheat made her judge of what weight were all the pass'd Actions of Ala­mire. She was confounded with Shame, for having so long pleased her self with a Pas­sion, that was but a meer Treachery: She soon resolved what to do; She writ to him, all that Grief, Affection, and Despair could invent, of most sensible, and most passionate, without acquainting him what should become of her; only, bid him an Eternal Fare-well. This Letter surprized him, and gave him some sense of Grief: The Beauty and Wit of Naria, were of such high Perfection, that it render'd the Loss of her troublesome, even to the Inconstant Humour of Alamire.

He went to tell his Adventure to Mul­ziman, who made him ashamed of his Pre­cedure: You are deceived (said he to him,) if you think your manner of deal­ing with Women, is not contrary to the true Sense of an Honest Man. Alamire was netled at this Reproach. I will justi­fie my self to you, answered he; for, I have too much Esteem for you, to let you continue in so bad an Opinion of me: Do you think me so great a Beast, as not to Love with sincerity, a Person that I thought Loved me truly? But, do you [Page 89]think (interrupted Mulziman) to justify your self, by accusing those you Love? Did any of them deceive you? Did not Naria Love you with a true and sincere Passion? Naria believed, she Lov'd me, replyed Alamire; but she lov'd my Qua­lity, and the Rank to which I might raise her. I have hitherto found nothing but Vanity and Ambition in Women: They loved the Prince, and not Alamire. The desire they have to make a signal Con­quest, and the Ambition to raise them­selves above that Slavish Life, to which they are subject, has created in them what you call Love; as the Pleasure of being Beloved, and the desire to over-come Difficulties, begot in me, what seemed a Passion to them. I believe (said Mulzi­man) you wrong Naria; for, I am con­fident, she truly loved your Person. Naria spoke to me of Marriage (answered Ala­mire) as well as the rest; and I know not, whether her Passion was more sincere than theirs. How (replyed Mulziman!) Would you have a Woman Love you, and not think of Marrying you? No (said Alamire,) I would not have them think of Marrying me, while I am above their Qua­lity, that should pretend to it: But, I would not be unwilling they should de­sire [Page 90]it, if they did not know my Quality; and did in a manner believe, they trans­gress'd against the Rules of Prudence, in Marrying me: But so long as they look upon me as a Prince, that may raise them above the Sphere they are in; and may give them a Prerogative, to claim more Liberty, than they enjoy in the Quality of a Subject; I shall not think my self obliged, to take any great Notice of the Designe they may have to Marry me; or take it for a true Love. You should see, added he, That I am very capable of Lov­ing sincerely, if I found a Person that should Love me, without knowing who I am. You desire an Impossibility, to shew your Fidelity, replyed Mulziman; and if you were capable of being Constant, you should meet with enough, without ex­pecting such extraordinary Occasions to shew it.

The Impatience he was in, to know what was become of Naria, broke off this Conversation: He goes to her House, where he learnt, that she was gone to Mecka: and that none knew the Way she took, nor the Time when she would come back. This was enough to make him for­get Naria: All his Thoughts are now bent upon Zoromade; who was guarded [Page 91]with so much Care, that it render'd all his Addresses in a manner vain: Not knowing, therefore, what other Course to take, he resolves to venture upon a way, the most dangerous in those Countries, that could be thought of; which was, to hide himself in one of those Houses, where Women use to Bath themselves.

Those Baths are stately Pallaces; Wo­men frequent them two or three times a week: They take a pride to shew their Grandure and Magnificence, by making a great number of Slaves to March before and after them, carrying all those things of which they have use in their Bathing Houses; the entrance of those Houses is forbidden to all men upon pain of Death, and there is no Mercy for them, that are found there? Alamire's quality seemed to warrant him against the ordinary Laws; but his Rank exposed him to a general Revolt and Sedition, in which he should not be able to save either his Life or Estate.

All Reasons were too weak to retain him from it; he writ to Zoromade that he was re­solv'd to hazard all for to see her, & intreated her to instruct him how he might speak to her; Zoromade made a difficulty to consent to the hazard to which he was to expose [Page 92]himself; but at last Led away by her Pas­sion for him, and forced by that insup­portable Constraint under which the Ara­bian Women live, writ to him, That if he could find means to get into the Bathing House, he must inform himself of that Ap­partment where she used to be; that there was a Closet where he might conceal himself; that she would not Bath that Day; and that whilest her Mother was in the Bath, she might have the opportunity of entertaining him. Alamire felt a sensible pleasure, in the difficulty of his enterprise: He won the master of the Baths by great Pre­sents; he learnt the Day Zoromade was to come thither; he got in by Night, and was conducted to the Appartment wherein that Closet was, where he remain'd until morning, with all the the impatience that a man truly in love could be in.

Much about the time that Zoromade was to come, he heard a Noise in the next Chamber, as if divers People were come into it; a little after, the Noise lessen'd, and the Closet Dore is open'd, he expect­ed to see Zoromade come in to him; but in her stead, he sees another Person whom he knew not, Richly attired, of a Beauty that had all the Flower, and all the Life of a blooming Youth. This Lady was as [Page 93]much surprized at the sight of Alamire, as he was to see her; he was no less proper than she, to cause Astonishment, by the agreeableness of his Person, and the rich­ness of his Apparel. It was so unnatural a thing, to see a Man in that Place; that, if Alamire had not made signs to this young Lady, to hold her peace, she had cried out loud enough, to make all that was in the Room, to come into the Closet: She comes nearer to Alamire, who was ravisht with this new adventure, and asked him by what accident he came into this place; he told her it was a story too tedious to be told then, but conjured her to say nothing, and not to ruin a man, who valued not the danger he was in, since he ow'd to it the pleasure of seeing the beautiful­lest Person in the World; she blushes with an ayre of Innocence and Modesty, capa­ble of inflaming a heart less sensible than Alamire's. I should be very sorry, repli'd she, to do any thing that might hurt you. But you have run great hazard in coming in here; I know not whether you are sensi­ble of the danger you are in.

Yes Madam, I know it, and it is not the greatest that I am threaten'd withall this Day. After these words of which he be­lieved [Page 94]she understood the meaning, he pray­ed her to tell him who she was, and how she came to enter into that Closet: My Name is Elsibery, answered she; I am the Governor of Lemnos his Daughter, my Mother came to Tharsus two Days ago, where she never had been before, no more than I; she is now in the Bath; I was not dispos'd to Bath, and I came by chance in­to this Closet; but I beg of you likewise added she, to tell me who you are? Ala­mire was glad to meet with a young Wo­man that knew him not: He told her, his Name was Selemin, (it was the first Name he could think of): As he talked to her, he heard a Noise: Elsibery went towards the Closet-Door, to hinder any to come in; Alamire followed her two or three Steps, forgetting the Danger he exposs'd himself to. May not one hope to see you again, Madam, said he? I know not (re­plyed she, with an Ayre full of trouble,) but I think, it is not imposible: With this, she went out, and shut the Door after her.

Alamire was charmed with this Adven­ture: He never saw any thing so Beautiful, nor so Lovely, as Elsibery: He did believe, that he had observed by her, that he was not unpleasing to her: She did not know [Page 95]him to be the Prince of Tharsus. In fine, He found in this Lady, all that might sen­sibly touch him. He staid until Night, in that Closet, without once thinking, that that he was come thither to see Zoromade; so full was his Imagination, with the Charms of Elsibery.

But, Zoromade was not so easie in her Mind; She truly loved Alamire: The Danger in which Alamire was in, put her into a Mortal Disquiet, and a sensible Af­fliction, that she could reap no Benefit by it. Her Mother was indisposed, and would not go to the Bath; and therefore, her Appartment was given to Elsibery's Mo­ther. Alamire, at his return, found a Let­ter from Zoromade; informing him, what I have told you; and likewise, that they talked of Marrying her out of hand: But that, she was not much disquieted at it, seeing he might prevent it, by declaring to her Father, the Intentions he had for her. He shewed this Letter to Mulziman, to let him see, that all Womens Love to him, tended only to get him to marry them: He told him also, his Adventure in the Bathing-House: He did Exagge­rate to him the Charms of Elsibery, the Joy he had to believe, that she had an In­clination for him, without knowing him [Page 96]to be the Prince. He assured him, That he had now found something, that deserved to engage his Heart; and that he should see, how real his intentions should be for Elsi­bery; and, in truth, he resolved to leave off all other Pursuits, and to think of no Body else, but how to win the Love of this Beautiful Person. It was almost impossible for him to see her; especially, having re­solved not to make himself known, as Prince of Tharsus: The first Resolution he takes, was to hide himself once more in the Bathing-House: But, he understood, that Elsiberyes Mother was sick, and that her Daughter would not come abroad with­out her.

In the mean-time, the time of Zoro­mades Marriage was at hand; and the De­spair she was in, to see her self sleighted and forsaken by the Prince, made her con­sent to it: As her Father was a Man of great Quality, and the Man she was to marry was no less; so it was resolved, the Ceremony should be very Splendid at her Wedding. Alamire learnt, that Elsi­bery was to be there. The manner of Marrying amongst the Arabians, could af­ford him no Hope of seeing her there; be­cause the Women are quite separated from the Men, both in their Mosques, and [Page 97]at their Feasts: He resolves, nevertheless, to hazard as much for her, as he had done for Zoromade: He feigned himself sick the Wedding-Day, the better to dis­pense himself from assisting Publickly at the Ceremony: He put himself into Wo­mens Attire; and put on a long Vail, such as the Women do wear when they go abroad; and goes to the Mosque with Selimen's Aunt. He saw Elsibery coming in; and, though she was Veil'd, yet her Garbe was so particular, and her Habit so different from that the Women of Thar­sus wear, that he was not afraid to be mistaken in her: He followed her close to the Place, where the Ceremony was to be performed. He placed himself so near Zoromade, that, carryed on by the Remains of that Humour, that was so na­tural to him, he could not forbear making himself known to her; and speaking to her, as if he had disguised himself only to see her. His Sight caused so much trouble in Zoromade, that she was con­strained to go back some Steps: And, turn­ing her self towards him; It is an inhu­mane thing of you (said she) to come to trouble my Quiet, by an Action that should perswade me, that you Love me, if I were not well assured of the contrary; [Page 98]But, I hope, I shall not long suffer the E­vils, which you have caused me. She could say no more, nor could he make a Reply; for, the Ceremony ended, and all the Women went to their own Pla­ces.

Alamire never thought of the Grief, in which he saw Zoromade; he was so full of his Desire and Care, how to speak to El­sibery: He kneel'd just by her, and begun to say his Prayers very loud, after the A­rabian Fashion: That kind of confused Murmur of so many People, that speak all at once, make it hard to be heard, but by those that stand close to one another. Alamire, without turning his Face to­wards Elsibery, or changing the Tone in which he prayed, call'd her several times by her Name: She turned towards him; and, as he saw that she looked upon him, he lets fall his Book; and in taking it up, he lifted up his Vail a little; so that, El­sibery alone might see him: He shewed her a Countenance, whose Beauty and Youth did not bely the Habit of a Wo­man. He found, that his Disguise did not deceive Elsibery; Yet, he asked her, If he was so Happy, as to be known a­gain by her? Elsibery, whose Vail was not quite down, turning her Eyes towards [Page 99] Alamire, without turning her Head; I know you too well, said she; but, I trem­ble for the Danger you are in. There is none so great, to which I would not ex­pose my self, rather than not see you, re­plyed he. It was not to see me, said she, that you expos'd your self in the Bathing-House; and, perhaps, it is not for me, that you are now here. It is for you a­lone, Madam, replyed he; and you shall see me every Day in the same Dangers, unless you give me some Opportunity of speaking to you. I go to Morrow, said she, with my Mother to the Caliph's Pal­lace; be you there with the Prince: My Vail shall be off, because it is the first time that I come thither. She would say no more, for fear of being over-heard by the Wo­men that were near her.

She put Alamire into great Perplexities about the Assignation she gave him; he very well knew that the first time Women of Quality are admitted to the Caliphs Pal­lace, if the Caliphe or the Princes his Children come into the place where the Women are, they do not let down their Veils, and after that they are always Vei­led: So that Alamire was sure to see El­sibery; but then he must be forced to shew himself, as Prince of Tharsus, and that [Page 100]was, what he could not consent to do. The pleasure of being beloved for the sole Beauty of his Person, was so great and sensible to him, that he was resolv'd not to rob himself of it; but yet it was a great trouble to him to lose an opportu­nity of seeing Elsibery, and an opportuni­ty which she her self gave him. That litle Jealousie which she shewed; For ha­ving found him in the Bathing-House, whether he came not for her sake, ingaged him the more not to omit any thing that might perswade Her of the reality of his inclinations for her. This perplexity made him hesitate a good while without answe­ring her. At last he asked her if he might not Writ to her: I dare not trust any Bo­dy said she, unless you can gain, if pos­sible, a Slave whose Name is Zebe­lec.

Alamire was satisfi'd with these Words, they leave the Temple; he goes to change his Habit, and to take his measures what to do the next Day, though he found it difficult to conceal his Quality from Elsi­bery; and though it was a great trouble to him to avoid seeing the person of the World he most coveted to see, yet he re­solves to do it, because he determin'd to find whether he could be truly loved with­out [Page 101]out the help of his Quality; by which, after he had considered how to carry on his de­sign, he writ this Letter to Elsibery,

The LETTER of ALAMIRE to ELSIBERY.

IF I had already desired any Favour from you, or that you had given me any hope, perhaps I should not trouble you with the Request I am going to make, I thought it might then seem more rea­sonable than now. But Madam, you scarce know me, and I cannot flatter my self, with the thought that I could make any impression upon your Heart; You are not ingaged to me either by inclination or word; and you are going to morrow to a place where you will see a Prince, who never yet saw any thing of Beautiful, but he was in love with: What may not I ap­prend, Madam, from that interview? I cannot doubt but Alamire will fall in love with you; and though perhaps it may seem a Caprice in me to fear him as much as I do, and to apprehend that he may be so happy as to please you, yet I cannot forbear praying you not to see him. Why should you refuse me this Madam? [Page 102]It is no Favor I ask; and I am happily the only man in the World that ever did de­sire such a thing; I know my request will seem strange to you, since it appears more strange to my self; But do not refuse this Boon to one who has exposed his Life, that he might have the Happiness, only to say, he loves you.

Having writ this Letter, he disguises himself to go along with some he confided in, to find out who this Slave should be, of whom Elsibery spoke: He bestir'd him­self so well about the Governour of Lem­nos his House, that, at last, he gained the Favour of an old Slave, to bring Zebelec to him. He saw at a distance, this young Slave coming; and was surprized with his Beauty and Shape, and the Fineness of his Face. Alamire stood sculking in a dark Entry; and this young Slave looked upon him, as he came towards him, as if he had known him formerly: But, as soon as he came near, the Prince (with­out shewing himself) begun to speak to him of Elsibery. The Slave hearing a Voice which he knew not, of a suddain, changed his Countenance; and, after a great Sigh, looks down, and stood silent, with so profound a Sadness, that Alamire could not forbear asking him the Reason [Page 103]thereof. I believed, I knew him that asked for me, answered he; and I did not think, that I was call'd to hear talk of Elsibery: But, go on; what-ever re­gards Elsibery, concerns me near. Alamire was surprized and troubl'd at the manner of this Slave's Discourse; He went on, nevertheless, in Recommending to him, the Delivery of a Letter to Elsibery; na­ming himself Selemin: The Sadness and Beauty of this Slave, made the Prince imagine, That this was some Lover of Elsibery, who had disguised himself to be near her. The Trouble in which he saw him, when he spoke to him of Letters that he was to give, confirm'd him in that Opinion: But, he reflected like­wise, That if Elsibery had known this Slave to be her Lover, she would not make Choice of him, to convey his Ri­vals Lotters. In fine, This Adventure per­plexed him; And, be it how it would, this Slave appeared to him too Beautiful, and of an Ayre so far above his Condition, to be permitted to continue about Elsi­bery.

He expected the next Day with seve­ral sorts of Disquiet; He went be-times to his Mothers Appartment: No Lover was ever more impatient, to see his Mi­stress, [Page 104]than he was not to see his: Nor had any Lover more Reason to wish, he might not see her. He believed, that if Elsibery came not to the Pallace, it was to grant him the Favour he beg'd of her: That it was a true Signe, that she had re­ceived the Letter, which he gave Zebelec for her; and that, if that Slave had given it her, it was apparent he was none of his Rival. In fine, In not seeing Elsibery come along with her Mother, he was sure he had Established a Correspondency with her; that he had no Rival, and that he might hope to gain her Love. He was taken up with these Thoughts, when Word was brought him, that Elsiberyes Mother was coming; and he had the Plea­sure to see, that her Daughter was not come with her. His Transports were in­expressible: He retired, being unwilling his Face should be known to his Mistres­ses Mother; and went to his own Lodg­ing, to wait for the time which he appoin­ted to speak to Zebelec.

The fair Slave came to him, with as much Sadness as he shewed the Day be­fore; aad brought him Elsiberyes Answer: He was over-joyed at this Letter: He found in it Modesty, mixt with much Af­fection: She assur'd him, that she would [Page 105]have for him the Complacency of not see­ing the Prince of Tharsus, and that she should never make a difficulty of granting him such Favours. She prayed him like­wise, not to hazard himself for her; be­cause that her own Natural Fearfulness, and the strictness of the Watch that was kept over her, would render all his In­deavours ineffectual. Though Alamire was extreamly satisfyed with this Letter; yet, he could not endure the Beauty and Sadness of the Slave: He asked him divers Questions about the Means of seeing Elsibery: But, the Slave made but cold An­swers. This Proceeding increased the Princes Suspicions; and, as he found him­self more touched with the Beauty of El­sibery, than he had ever been with any other; so he feared to enter into a neces­sity of using her, as he had done all those that he Loved before; or to engage him­self to a Person, that might have other Inclinations. In the mean-time, he writ to her every Day: He obliged her to let him know to what Places she went: And his Love made him as careful to a­void seeing her in all Publick Places, where she might know him to be the Prince, as he was industrious to find out the means of seeing her in Private. He [Page 106]so carefully observed all the Places about the House wherein she lodged; that he found, that upon the Top of the House, which was made into a Terrass, there was a Balcony jetting out over a Back-Street, which was so narrow, that one might Discourse from the House that was against it: He soon found wayes to be Master of that House. He writ to Elsibery, conjuring her to be the Night following upon the Terras, where she might be seen and entertain'd by him. For, being come thither, Alamire might easily discourse with her, without being over-heard by any other: Nor was the Night so dark, but that he might have the Pleasure distinctly to see that Beauty, of which he was so enamour'd.

They enter'd into a long Discourse of the Inclinations they had for each other: Elsibery desired to be informed, what Ad­venture had brought him to the Bathing-house: He confessed to her the whole Truth, and all that had passed betwixt Zoromade and him. Young People are too sensible of these kind of Sacrifices, without apprehending the Consequences of them for themselves. Elsibery had a violent Passion for Alamire: She gave her self wholly up in this Interview; and [Page 107]they resolved to see one another often in that Place. As he was ready to with­draw, he turned his Head by chance, and was not a little surprized, to see the Fair Slave, that had already caused him so much Disquiet, standing at one of the Corners of the Terrass.

He could not conceal his Trouble; but said, Madam, if I have shewed you some Jealousie the first time I writ to you, may I be so bold, as to shew it you again the first time I speak to you? I know, that Women of your Quality have alwayes Slaves about them; But, I think, they are not of the Age and Meine of him, I see with you. I do confess, that what I know of the Person and Wit of Zebelec, may render him as dangerous to me, as the Prince of Tharsus can be. Elsibery Smiled at this Discourse; and calling the Beautiful Slave, Come Zebelec, said she; Come, and cure Selemin of the Jealousie you have caused him. Madam, I dare not with­out your Permission; and I wish, replyed Zebelec, That you had the Power to make him Jealous: It is not for my own Inte­rest I wish it; it is for Yours, and for the Apprehensions I have of the Misfor­tunes, to which you are going to ex­pose your self. But Sir, continued the [Page 108]Slave, addressing her self to the Prince, whom she took for Selemin; It is not just, to let you suspect the Vertue of Elsi­bery.

I am a wretched Creature, whom Chance has placed in her Service; I am a Christian of Greece, of a Birth, far a­bove the Condition you see me in: A little Beauty (of which, there are scarce any Foot-steps left) drew many Lovers to Court me, in the Prime of my Youth: I found so little Truth, and so much Trea­chery in them, that I looked upon them with Scorn. One more Unfaithful than all the rest (but who knew how to dis­guise it better) gain'd my Affections: I broke off for his sake, a considerable Match. My Parents persecuted us: He was forced to fly: He Marries me; I Disguis'd my self in Man's Apparel, and followed him: We took Shipping: There happen'd a Person of great Beauty to be in the same Ship, brought thither by some extraordinary Accident, to pass into Asia, as well as my self: My Husband fell in Love with her: We were set upon, and taken by the Arabians: They shared the Slaves: My Husband, and one of his Re­lations, had their Choice to be in one Lot with those, that should fall to the Cap­tain, [Page 109]or the Lieutenant's Share: It was my Lot, to fall to the Captain; and, by an unheard-of Ingratitude, my Husband chose to go with the Lieutenant, to fol­low this Woman he Loved: Neither my Presence nor Tears, nor what I had done for him, nor the wretched Condition in which he was going to leave me, could move him: Judge of my Grief! I was led hither: My good Fortune gave me to Elsiberies Father. Though I have seen my Husbands Ingratitude, I cannot altogether lose the Hope of his Returning; and that was it, that caused the Change you ob­served in my Face, the first time I came to speak to you: I was in hopes, it might be him that desired to speak to me; and, as ill grounded as this Hope was, I could not lose it without Grief. I do not oppose the Inclination which Elsibery has for you: I know, by woful Experience, how vain it is, to oppose such kind of Thoughts: But, I grieve for her; and I do fore-see, the Mortal Pangs into which you will throw her. She never was in Love: She is now Engaging her self into a sincere and real Passion for you; which no Man that has been already in Love, can de­serve.

When she had left speaking; Elsibery told Alamire, That her Father and Mother knew her Quality, her Sex, and her Me­rit; but for Reasons that she had to remain unknown, she appeared in the Guise of a Slave. The Prince was Charm­ed with the Wit and Vertue of Zebelec; but more, to find how vain the Grounds of his Jealousies were. In the Sequel, He found so many Charms, and so much Sincerity in Elsiberies Conduct, that he was convinced, that he was never Beloved but by her alone. She lov'd him for Loves sake, without considering what this Passion tended to: She never dived into his Fortune, nor his Intentions: She hazzarded all to see him; and did all things blindfold, that he could desire: Another Woman would find much Con­straint, in the Conduct he desired she should observe. He would have her still believe him to be Selemin: He was for­ced to hinder her from going to certain Pub­lick Feasts, where he was obliged to appear as Prince: But she found nothing difficult, that pleased him.

Alamire believed himself, for a time most happy to be beloved for his own sake; but it came into his Head, that although El­sibery loved him without knowing that he [Page 111]was the Prince of Tharsus, it might hap­pen that she might forsake him for one, that should be of that Quality: He was resolved to put her Heart to the Test, by making the true Selemin pass for the Prince of Tharsus; making Love to her; and to see with his own Eyes, after what man­ner she would treat him: He told Sele­min his Intention; and they, together, found means to put it in Execution. Ala­mire made a Horse-Race; and told Elsi­bery, That, to give her some share in the Divertisement, he would get the Prince, with all his Company, to pass by her Window: That the Prince and He would be Attired alike, and that he would Ride close by the Princes side; and that, al­though he had alwayes apprehended her seeing Alamire, he believed himself too well assured of her Heart, to apprehend, that the Prince might draw her Eyes to­wards him, chiefly in a Place where he should be near enough, to have his share of her Looks. Elsibery did verily believe, that he whom she should see with her Lover, would be the Prince of Tharsus; and the next Day, seeing the true Selemin with Alamire, did not doubt, but that it was the Prince: She thought, her Lover had no Reason to represent Alamire, for [Page 112]such a formidable Man, since she thought him nothing so agreeable, as him she took for his Favourite. She did not forget to tell him the Judgment she made of him: But, that was not enough to him: He resolved to try further, whether this suppo­sed Prince would not take with her, when he should seem to be in Love with her, and propose to Marry her.

At one of the Arabian Feasts, where the Prince was not obliged to appear in Pub­lick; he told Elsibery, that he would Disguise himself, that he might be near her: He did so; but carryed Selemin with him: They placed themselves near Elsibery, and Selemin call'd her three or four times: her mind being full of Alamire, she doubted not, but that it was he; And taking her time, where no body looked on her, she lifted up her Vail to shew him her Face, and began to speak to him; But she was surprised, when she saw him near her, whom she took for the Prince of Tharsus; Selemin seemed to be surprised likewise, and smitten with her Beauty; He fain would have spoken to her, but she would not hear him; And being troubled, at this Adventure, she went nearer to her Mo­ther; In so much, that Alamire could not accost her all the rest of the day. At [Page 113]Night, Alamire went to speak to her up­on the Terrass: She told him all that happen'd to her, and that with so much Truth and Exactness, and such Apprehen­sion, lest he should suspect that she had any way contributed to it, that Alamire had all the Reason imaginable, to be well satisfyed: Yet he was not content, but caused the old Slave (which he had al­ready found very sensible of Presents) to be bribed, to carry a Letter from the sup­posed Prince to Elsibery: As the Slave would have given it her, she chid him foundly, and refused the Letter: She gave an account of it to Alamire, who knew it already, and enjoyed the Pleasure of his Cheat. To accomplish what he had be­gun, he carries Selemin to the Terrass, where he was used to speak to Elsibery, and hid himself so, as she could not see him; but might hear every Word they spoke. Elsibery was extreamly surprized, to see the supposed Prince upon the Ter­rass: At first, she thought to with-draw; but her Suspicion, that her Lover betray­ed her to the Prince, and her desire to find it out, kept her there for some Mo­ments. I will not tell you, Madam, (said he) Whether it was by my own Address, or by the Consent of him you thought to [Page 114]find here, that I possess the Place that was intended for him; neither will I tell you, whether he be ignorant of my In­tentions for you; but you may judge, by the likelihood of it, and by the Power that the Quality of a Prince may give me: I will only tell you, That by one sight of you, you have done that in me which long Converse could never effect: I would never Engage my self; and now, my on­ly Happiness is, to induce you to accept of the Quality I possess: You are the only Person, to whom I ever have offer'd it; and you shall be the last, to whom I ever shall offer it: Think of it, Madam, more than once, before you deny me; and think, that in refusing the Prince of Thar­sus, you refuse the only Means to draw you out of that Eternal Captivity, to which you are now destined.

Elsibery could hear no more what the supposed Prince said to her: As soon as he gave her to understand, that her Lover had sacrificed her to his Ambition, with­out making any Reply to what he had said to her: I know not, Sir, (answered she) by what Adventure you came hi­ther: But let it be how it will, I must hold no longer Conversation with you; and I beseech you, to allow me the Liber­ty [Page 115]to with draw. In saying these Words, she left the Terrass, and retired to her Chamber with Zebelec, who had follow­ed her with as much Disquiet, and Prou­ble of Mind, as Alamire had Joy and Tranquillity: He saw, with Delight, that she despised the Offers of so great a For­tune, at the same time that she had grounds to believe, that he had deceived her: Nor could he any longer doubt, but that she was proof against those Aspiring Thoughts, of which he was apprehen­sive. The next Day, he tryed again to get a Letter conveyed to her from the Prince, to see if Spite and Rage had not caused her to change her Mind: But the old Slave that was intrusted with it, and endeavoured to deliver it, was as ill han­dled by her, as he had been the first time.

Elsibery passed the Night with incredible Grief: There was all the Appearance imaginable, that her Lover had betray'd her: There was none but him, that could discover their Intelligence, and the Place where they used to speak to one another. Nevertheless, her great Kindness for him, would not let her condemn him without hearing him. She saw him the next Day; and he argued his Case so well, that he [Page 116]perswaded her, that he was betray'd by one of his People; and that the Caliphe, at his Son's Request, had kept him a part of the Night from coming upon the Terrass: Nay, he perswaded her, that he was sensibly displeased at the Princes Pas­sion for her. The fair Slave was not so easie of belief, as Elsibery; and the Expe­rience she had of the Falshood of Men, would not permit her to give Credit to the supposed Selemin's Words: She endea­voured (but in vain) to let her see, that he imposed upon her: But, a little while after, Chance gave her occasion to convince her of it.

The true Selemin was not so taken up with the Princes Gallantries, but that he had time enough to have some of his own: The Lady he was in Love with, had a young Slave that waited upon her, who was passionately Enamoured of Zabe­lec, whom she took for a Man. She told her the Love that was betwixt Selemin, and her Mistriss, and the Contrivance they had found to see one another. Zebe­lec, who knew Alamire by no other Name but that of Selemin, caused her self to be thorowly informed of all that might let Elsibery see the Infidelity of her Lover; and went in that very instant, to tell her [Page 117]of it. She was sensibly afflicted at this Discovery; yet she gave her self up to her Sorrow, without reflecting injuriously upon him that caused it. Zebelec used all the Arguments she could think of, to perswade her never more to see Alamire; nor to hearken to any Justifications, which could be no other but new Inventions, to cheat her. Elsibery was willing enough to follow her Advice, but had not the Power.

Alamire came that very Evening to the Terrass; and much astonished, when El­sibery began their Interview with a Flood of Tears, and followed it with Reproaches so tender, that even those who had no Love for her, could not choose but be con­cern'd for her. He could not imagine, what she could accuse him of; or by what strange turn of Fortune, she alone should accuse him of Infidelity; having never been Faithful to any but to her self: He justifyed himself with all the Force that Truth could inspire: But, in spight of the Disposition she was in to believe him Innocent, she could not give Credit to his Words. He pressed her to tell him, who she should be, that she thought him in Love with: She did so, and told him all the Circumstances of their Commerce. [Page 118] Alamire was not a little surprized, to find that it was the Name of Selemin, that made him appear Guilty; and was much perplexed, to find by what means he should go about to justifie himself: He could not resolve it presently: His only Course was, to make new Protestations of his Innocency, without engaging him­self into a further Justification: His Per­plexity, and his Words, in general, con­firm'd Elsibery of his Infidelity.

He goes immediately: to Selemin, to tell him his Misfortune; and think with him, of the Means to make his Innocence ap­pear. I would break off with the Person I Love, for your sake, said Selemin, if I thought that would be any Advantage to you: But, although I should leave see­ing her, Elsibery would believe still, that there was a time in which you had been Unfaithful to her; and so, would not be able to give any Credit to your Words: If you would take away all Ground of Suspicion from her, my Opinion is, That you own who you are, and who I am. She has Loved you, without the Help of your Quality: She believed me to be the Prince of Tharsus, and despised me for your sake; and, in my Opinion, that was what you would be at. You have Reason [Page 119]my dear Selemin, cryed the Prince, but I cannot resolve, to discover my Quality to Elsibery: I shall lose by that Discove­ry, all that was Charming in my Love; I shall lose the only true Pleasure I ever had; and, I know not, whether I shall not lose the Passion I had for her. But, consider also, Sir, answered Selemin, that in going still by my Name, you will lose the Heart of Elsibery; and that, in losing that, you will lose all the Pleasures, that a false Imagination makes you apprehend, can never be found again.

Selemin spoke so convincing to Ala­mire, that (at last) he made him resolve to discover himself to Elsibery: He did so that very Evening: And none ever was transported of a suddain, from so deplo­rable a Condition, to so happy a State, as she was. She found Marks of a most sin­cere and tender Passion, in all those Ac­cidents that before appeared to her as De­ceits: She had the Pleasure, to have con­vinced Alamire of her Inclination for him, without knowing that he was a Prince. Lastly, Her Transports were so great, that her Heart was scarce able to contain them; nor did she hide them from Ala­mire: But, he suspected this Joy of hers: He believed, the Prince of Tharsus had a [Page 120]share in it, and that Elsibery was more sensibly touched for having him for her Lover: But, he concealed his Thoughts from her, and continued visiting her with much Assiduity. Zebelec was surprized, that she had been deceived in her Diffi­dence of Men's Passions; and envyed El­siberies Happiness, in having found so Faithful a Lover: But, the Cause of her Envy did not last long. It was impossible, but that those extraordinary Things which Alamire had done for Elsibery, should add new Life to the Passion she had for him: The Prince perceived it. This redoubling of her Love, appeared to him an Infidelity; and caused in him the same trouble, which the Decrease of it ought to have done. In fine, He thought himself so well assured, that the Prince of Tharsus was better Beloved, than Alamire had been under the Name of Selemin, that his Passion began to diminish, though he had no Engagement else-where. He had already had of so many sorts; and, this last had something in it that was so quick, and seelingly Charming, that he found himself insensible of any other. Elsibery saw the Love and Care he had for her, decay insensibly; and, although she en­deavoured to deceive her self; yet she [Page 121]could no longer doubt of her Misfortune, when she was told, That the Prince had taken a Resolution, to go to Travail over all Greece. She learnt it from others, be­fore he told her any thing of it: He was now weary of Tharsus, and that inspired him with the Designe, which he put in Execution, notwithstanding all Elsiberies Intreaties and Tears.

The fair Slave saw then, that Elsibe­ries Destiny was as Unfortunate as her own; And Elsibery, had no other comfort, but what she found in bemoaning her self to Zebelec; who had the News of her Husband's Death, for which she was sen­sibly agrieved, notwithstanding his hor­rible Infidelity to her: His Death having now taken away the cause of her Disguise, she prayed. Elsiberies father, to give her that Liberty, which he had so often of­fer'd her; having obtained it, she put on a Resolution, to return to her own Coun­try; there to spend the rest of her dayes in some Solitude, remote from the Com­merce of all men. She had often spoken to Elsibery, of the Christian Religion: This fair Creature being touched with what she had heard her say, and with the Incon­stancy of Alamire, (for which she hoped for no Redresse) resolves to turn Christi­an, [Page 122]to follow Zebelec; and live with her in a profound Oblivion of all earthly Tyes; She went away, without giving a­ny notice to her Parents, only by a Let­ter which she left for them.

Alamire was already got far on his way, when he understood by a letter from Selemin, what I came from telling you of Elsibery: But where ever she be, perhaps she would find some Consolation, could she but know how severely her Quarrel was revenged upon Alamire, for his In­fidelity to her, by the Violent Passion which Zaydes Beauty kindled in him.

He arrived in Cyprus, and fell in Love with that Princess, (as I told you) after ballancing some time betwixt Her and Me: But, he Loved her with a Passion so dif­ferent from all others he ever Loved, that he scarce knew himself. Formerly, he would alwayes declare his Love, from the first Moment that he felt it; He never was afraid to offend those to whom he declared it: But, to Zayde, he scarce durst let her have any inckling of it. He was astonished, at this Change in himself: But, he being forced by the Violence of his Passi­on, to declare it to Zayde; and, that he found, that the indifference she had for him, did but irritate his Love for her; when he [Page 123]saw himself brought to Despair by her usage to him, without being able to dis­intangle himself from his Passion for her; he felt a Grief, that was not to be expres­sed.

How! (would he say to Mulziman) Love never had more Power over me, but I was pleased to give it; and, though it had entirely Conquer'd me, I alwayes was pleased with all Places where I Loved: And now he must, through the only Per­son in the World, in whom I found a Resistance, to Domineer over me, with so absolute an Empire, that he has left me no Power to dis-ingage my self from him. I could not Love all those that Lov'd me▪ and I am compelled to Adore Zayde, that despises me. Is it her extraordinary Beau­ty, that produces this unusual Effect? Or, Can it be possible, that the only way to fix me, was not to Love me? Ah, Zayde! Shall I never be in a Condition to know, that they are not your Rigors that ty me to you?

Mulziman could not tell what to say to him; such was his Surprize, to see him in the Condition he was in: He endea­voured, notwithstanding, to comfort him, and to ease his Pain. Since the Arrival of Zaydes Father, and her Declaring never [Page 124]to Marry that Prince, his Despair grew greater, and hurryed him to seek his Death any where with Joy.

This is, as near I can remember, what I learnt from Mulziman, continued Felime; and perhaps, I have been too exact in my Narrative: But, you must pardon those Charms, which those that are in Love, found in the Persons whom they Love; though it may be, even upon disagreeable Subjects. Don Olmond told the Princess: That, far from thinking her self obliged to excuse the Length of her Narration; That he was bound rather, to return her Thanks, for informing him of Alamire's Adventures: He conjured her, to finish what she had begun to tell him: She continued her Discourse after this man­ner:

You may very well judge, that what I learnt of the strange Adventures and Humour of Alamire, could give me no great Hope; since I was covinced, that the only way to make him Love, was not to love him; notwithstanding, I did not love him less. The Dangers to which he dayly exposed himself, gave me Mortal Apprehensions for him; I did believe, that every Stroke might fall upon his Head; that he was the only Man, that [Page 125]could be in danger. I was so over-whelm­ed with grief, that I thought nothing could be added to it: But, Fortune exposed me to a kind of Misery, more cruel than any I had yet felt.

Some Dayes after Mulziman had told me Alamire's Adventures, I was speaking of them to Zayde; and I made such sad Reflections upon the Cruelty of my De­stiny, that my Face was all bathed in Tears. One of Zaydes Women pass'd thorow the Room where we were, and left the Door open, which I not per­ceiving: It cannot be denyed, said I to Zayde, but that I am very Unfortunate, to have settled my Affections upon a Man, that is so unworthy in all Respects, of the Inclination I have for him: As I en­ded these Words, I heard some Body be­hind me in the Room; I thought, at first, it was that Woman, that was going tho­row again: But, What a confusion and trouble was I in, when I saw it was Ala­mire! and that he was so near me, that he could not choose but hear my last Words? But the Trouble I was in, and the Tears that trickled down my Cheeks, took from me all Means of hiding from him the Truth of what I had said: My Strength fail'd me; my Speech left me; [Page 126] I wished my self Dead: In short, None ever was in such a taking, as I felt my self. And, to add to the Cruelty of my Adventure, the Princess Alasinthe came in, accompanyed with divers others; who went all to speak to Zayde, and left me a­lone with Alamire.

The Prince looked upon me with an Ayre, that shewed the fear he had to in­crease the Confusion in which he saw me. I am sorry, Madam, said he, that I came in at a time, when in all appearance, you were not willing to be heard by any but Zayde: But, Madam, since Chance has ordained it otherwise, do not take it ill if I ask you, How it can possible be, that a Man that has been so happy as to please you, could oblige you to say, That he was unworthy in all Respects, of the Kindness you have for him? I know, no Man can deserve the least of your Favours: But, Can there be any Man, that could give you Cause to complain of his Inten­tions? Be not angry, Madam, that I have some share in your Confidence; you shall not find me unworthy of it; and, though you took care to conceal from me what I have heard; yet, I shall alwayes have a great Value for a Secret, which I owe only to Chance.

Alamire had spoke on for a long time, if he had stay'd untill I had been able to interrupt him: I was so out of Coun­tenance, and so daunted with the fear he should find out, that he was the Man of whom I complain'd; and with Grief, that he should believe, that I loved ano­ther Man; that it was utterly impossible, for me to answer him. You think, per­haps, that having concealed from him the Passion I had for him, with so much In­dustry, and seeing him so much in Love with Zayde; I should be indifferent, whether or no he imagined, some other might have gain'd my Esteem: But, Love had already put so much Constraint upon it Self, to hide it from the Person that gave it Birth, that it could not be so cru­el to it self, as to let him think, that a­nother had kindled it. Alamire attributed my Perplexity, to my trouble of seeing him perswaded that I was in Love. I see, Madam, said he, that you are unwilling I should be your Confident; but your Concern is unjust: Can any Man have more Respect for you than my self, or more Interest to please you than I? You have an absolute Power over that Princess, of whom depends my Destiny: Tell me then, Madam, Who he is, of whom you [Page 128]complain? and if I have half as much Power with him, as you have over her I Adore; you shall quickly see, if I do not make him know his Happiness, and ren­der him worthy of your Goodness for him.

Alamire's Words increased my trouble and agitation of Mind: He urged me a­gain to tell him, who he should be, of whom I complain'd: But, all the Rea­sons that made him desire to know him, render'd him in my Thoughts, unworthy to be informed. At last, Zayde judging the Perplexity I was in, came to inter­rupt us, before I could have the Power to utter one word to Alamire. I went a­way, without so much as looking upon him: My Body was not able to bear the Agitation of my Mind: I fell sick that very Night, and continued so a long time.

Among the Number of Men of Qua­lity, that were then in Cyprus, it were hard if some did not concern themselves in the Preservation of my Life: I was told of their Care, to be informed of the state of my Health: I made Reflections, how littled I was touched with their Kindness: And, when I consider'd, that if Alamire had known my Inclination for [Page 129]him, parhaps, it might make as little im­pression upon him, as the Passion of those that loved me, made upon me. I thought my self happy, that he was ignorant of my Love for Him; But, I must confess, this Happiness was only pleasing to my Reason, and no way grateful to my Heart. When I began to Recover, I put off as long as I could, all occasions of see­ing Alamire; and when I came to be seen by him, I took notice, that he observed me with great Care, to find out by my Actions, who it was, of whom I com­plain'd; the more I found him diligent, in prying into my Deportment, the worse I handled all those, that shewed any incli­nation for me; though there were many, of whose Merit and Quallitys, I needed not be ashamed; yet, there was none of them, that did not blemish my Honour; For, I could not indure, he should think, that I lov'd without being belov'd Reci­procally; and, this very Thought made me Fancy, that I seem'd to him, to be less Worthy of him therefore.

The Emperors Troops plyed Famagosta so warmly, that the Arabians thought it their best way to desert it. Zulema and Osmin resolv'd to embark us with the Princess Alasinthe and Belleny: Alamire also re­solves [Page 130]to leave Cyprus to follow Zayde, and quit a place where his Valour could be no longer useful. He had still a great Cu­riosity, to find out who it was that I com­plained of: When we were ready to part, and saw that my Sadness did not increase; How, said he! Can you leave Cyprus without shewing new Marks of Afflicti­on? It is impossible, Madam, but you most sensibly feel this Departure: Do me the Favor to let me know, Who it is that you are concerned for? There is not a Man in all this place, but I can prevail with, to go into Africk; and, you shall have the Pleasure to see him there, with­out his least Suspition, that you desir'd a­ny such thing: I have no mind, said I to trouble my self, to dispossess you of an Opinion, which you conceived upon ap­pearances that seem'd to be true; Never­theless, I must tell you, that those appea­rences are false, I leave none in Famagosta, For whom I have any extraordinary Con­cern: And yet, it is not for any Change my Heart has made. I understand you, Madam, the Man that had the good Luck to please you is not here: I looked for him in vain, amongst the Number of your Ado­rers; and, I believe he was gon from Cy­prus, before I had the Honor to see you. [Page 131]It is neither before you saw me, nor since your coming hither, that any has been so happy as to please me, said I to him, very abruptly; and I pray you, not to speak to me any more, of a thing that displeases me so much.

Alamire seeing that I was Angry, would say no more to me, and assured me, he would never trouble me any more upon this Subject; I was glad to end a Conver­sation, in which, I was always in danger of discovering, what I so earnestly desired to conceal. In fine, we went abroad, and our Voyage was at first so pleasant, that we had no reason to fear such an unfortunate Ship-Wrack, as we suffer'd upon the Coast of Spain, as I shall inform you A­non.

Felime was going to continue her Re­lation, when a servant came to tell her that her Mother grew worse. Though I had many other things to tell you, said she to Don Olmond, as she was going to leave him, I have told you enough, to let you know, that my Life depends upon that of Alamire, and likewise, to engage you to keep your Word with me. Madam, I will most exactly perform my Promise; But I pray you to remember also, that you must inform me of the rest of your Adventures.

The next Day he went to the King; who no sooner perceived him, but he presently would have Gonsalvo put out of the impatience, and the disquiet which appeared in his Countenance: There­fore, leading them both into his Closet, and commanding, Don Olmond, to tell him, whether he had seen Felime; or learnt from her, what interest she took in the Preservation of Alamire. Don Olmond, without seeming to Dive into the Rea­sons, Why the King, should be so curi­ous, to know the Adventures of that Prince; he gave an exact Account, of all that he had learnt from Felime, of her Passion for Alamire, of Alamires for Zayde; and, of all that happen'd to them, until their departure from Cyprus. Having made an end, he judged, that the King, and Gonsalvo, could not be so free in their Discourse, as they would be if he were not there; and, to leave them at Liberty, he said, for excuse, that he was Oblig'd to return to Orepese.

So soon as he was gon, the King look­ing upon his Favorite, with an Ayre that shew'd the kindness he had for him, said to him, Do you yet believe, that Alamire is beloved of Zayde? Do you believe it was she, that made Felime Write? Do [Page 133]not you see, how ill your Apprehentions are grounded? No Sir, (replied gravely, Don Gonsalvo,) all that Don Olmond has said, cannot perswade me yet, but that I have cause to fear; Perhaps, Zayde was not, at first, in Love with Alamire; or, that she concealed it from Felime, seeing the Passion she had for that Prince; but whom do you believe she lamented, when she was Shipwrack'd upon the Coast of Spain but Alamire, whom she believed Dead? Whom can I resemble but that Prince? Felime spoke only of him in her Relation; Zayde, has deceived her, my Lord, or else, she has owned to her the inclination she had for him: But since there being at Alphonso's House, all that I have heard, does not destroy the Opini­on I had; and, I fear much, that, what remaines yet untold, will rather confirm, than destroy them. It was so late when Gonsalvo left the King, that he should have thought of nothing else, but of taking his Rest: But, his disquiet of Mind would not give him leave to take any. Felimes Rela­tion augmented his Curiosity, and left him still in that cruel uncertainty, in which he had been so long. In the Mor­ning, one of the Officers of the Army, that came back from Oropese, brought him [Page 134]a Note from Don Olmond, wherein he Read these Words.

This Note put Gonsalvo into a new trou­ble, and made him think, that he was only deceaved in believing, that Alamire was the Man she loved; But, that he could not be deceived in his belief, that Zayde was in Love. The Letter he saw her Write at Alphonso's House, what he had heard her say at Tortosa, of a first in­clination, and the Note he Received from Don Olmond, would not let him doubt of it. He thought he must be still unhappy, since Zaydes Heart, was firmly concer­ned; Nevertheless, without knowing why, he felt some ease, by the assurance he had, [Page 135]that her Passion was not for the Prince of Tharsus.

In the mean while, the Mores made Overtures of Peace, which were so advan­tagious, that it was not thought Prudence to reject them; Plenipotentiaries were named on both sides to Regulate Differen­ces, and a new Cessation was agreed up­on. Gonsalvo was Privy to all the Transacti­ons: Yet, as busied as he was by the im­portance of those Affairs, which the King intrusted him with, he was much more impatient to know who this Rival should be, of whom, he never heard before. He expected Don Olmond with so much impatience, that he could take no Rest: At last, he beseeched the King, either to send for him to the Camp; or, to give him leave to go to Orepese; Don Garcias, who whas as curious to hear the sequel of Zaydes Adventures, resolv'd to be by at Don Olmonds telling them; he sent for him with all speed. When Gonsalvo saw him coming, and looking upon him, as the Man that was to relate to him, the true Sentiments of Zayde, he was almost ready to stop his mouth; he so much fea­red to hear the truth of his misfortune, though at the same time, he earnestly wished to know it. Don Olmond, with [Page 136]his accustomed discretion, without seem­ing to perceive Gonsalvos trouble, begun to tell what he had received from Felime, in their last Conversation. The King ha­ving Commanded him to speak

The Sequel of the History of FELIME and ZAYDE.

THe Princes, Zulema and Osmin, left Cy­prus, with an intention to pass into Africk, and to land at Tunis: Alamire went along with them; and their Voyage was Prosperous enough, untill a contrary Wind drove them towards Alexandria. When Zulema saw himself so near that Place, he had a mind to go a Shore, to visit Albumazar, (the most famous Astrologer of all Africk) his old Acquaintance. The Princesses (who were not used to the Hardships of the Sea), were glad to go a Shore, to rest themselves; and the Winds continued in a contrary Point; so that, they could not put to Sea again so soon as they expected.

One Day, as Zulema was shewing to Albumazar divers Rarities which he had brought from his Travails, Zayde espyed in a Box which he open'd, the Picture of a [Page 137]Young Man, of an extraordinary Beauty, and a most agreeable Physiognomy; the Dress (that was like to that which is used by the Princes of Arabia) made her imagine, that it might be the Picture of one of the Caliph's Sons: She asked her Father, Whether it was not so as she thought? He told her, He knew not for whom that Picture was drawn; that he bought it of a Soldier, and kept it for the Excellency of the Work: Zayde seemed taken with the Beauty of that Picture: Albumazar took notice of her Attention, in considering it; He joked with her a­bout it; and told her, That he perceived, that a Man that should resemble this Picture, might hope to please her.

The Grecians have naturally a great opinion of Astrology, and young People are very curious to know what is to come; so, Zayde pressed this famous Astro­loger, to tell her something of her De­stiny: But he still excused himself. He passed all that little time which he could spare from his Studies, in Zulema's Com­pany; and seemed to avoid all occasions, of shewing his extraordinary Skill. At last, one Day finding him in her Father's Chamber, she urged him more than ever, to consult the Stars about her Fortune. [Page 138]I need not consult the Stars for that, said he, Madam; for, I can assure you, that you are Destin'd for the Man, whose Picture Zulema shewed you. Very few Princes in Africk are equal to him: You shall be Happy if you Marry him: Have a care, you do not Engage your Affecti­on to any other. Zayde received this Answer, as a kind of Rallery, for her too much Attention in viewing the Pic­ture: But Zulema told her, with all the Authority of a Father, That she must no wayes doubt of the Truth of this Pre­diction; That he gave so full a Credit to it himself, that he should never consent she should Marry any other, but the Man for whom this Picture was drawn.

Zayde and Felime could not believe, that Zulema spoke what he truly thought; but when he declared, that he had no In­tention now, that the Princess (his Daugh­ter) should marry the Prince of Tharsus: They no wayes doubted of the Truth of what Albumazar had said. Felime was not a little transported with Joy, when she knew that Zayde was no longer destin'd for Ala­mire. She fancied a great pleasure to tell him of it: She flatter'd her self with the hope, that he would return to her, when he should have no further expectation, [Page 139]that Zayde would be his. She begg'd leave of this fair Princess, to acquaint Alamire with Albumazars Prediction, and Zulema's intention; this leave was soon granted, Zayde easily consented to all, that might Cure the Prince of Tharsus, of the Passi­on he had for her.

Felime, found an occasion to speak to the Prince, and without making any shew, of the Pleasure she took, in telling it to him, she advised him to break off with Zayde; since she was design'd for another, and that Zulema was no longer favorable to him; she, moreover told him, how Zule­ma came to change his Mind, and, shew­ed him the Picture, which was to de­side Zaydes designe. Alamire appeared overwhelmed with Grief, at the words of Felime, and surprised, with the Beauty of the Picture, she shewed him; he remai­ned a good while silent; at last, lifting up his Eyes, with an Ayre which shewed his Grief; I believe it, Madam, said he, that Man, whose Picture I see, is design'd for Zayde; his Beauty deserves her; But, he shall never have her; For, I will Kill him, before he shall be able to pretend to Rob me of Zayde: But, replied Felime, if you undertake to fight with every Man, that may be like this Picture, You must at­tack [Page 140]a great number of men, before you find out him, for whom it was drawn. I am not happy enough, answer'd Alamire, to be in danger of such a mistake. This Pic­ture represents so great, and so particular a Beauty, that very few can be like it. But, Madam added he, this Physiognc­my, as agreeable and as pleasing as it appears, may hide such unpleasing Hu­mours, and a temper of mind so different, from what ought to please Zayde, that as Beautifull, as this pretended Rivall may be, perhaps he may not be beloved of her: And, as favourable and kind as Fortune and Zulema may be to him, if he does not Captivate Zaydes inclinations, I shall not think my self altogether unhappy; I shall be lesse troubled to see her in the posses­sion of a man that she cannot love, then to see her in love with a man that she can­not possesse. Nevertheless Madam, con­tinued he, although this Picture has made such an impression in my mind, that cannot easily be blotted out, I conjure you to leave it with me for some time, that I may consider it at leisure, and that I may imprint the Idea thereof more strong­ly in my Memory.

Felime was so much Concerned to see that, what she had said, would not abate [Page 141]of Alamire's hopes, that she let him carry away the Picture: Which he return'd to her some dayes after, in spight of the de­sire he had, to hide it for ever from the eyes of Zayde.

After some stay at Alexandria, the winds were favourable, for their departure; Ala­nire received Letters from his Father that obliged him to leave Zayde, to return to Tharsus: But knowing that he should not need to stay long there, told Zulema, that he should be as soon at Tunis as he. Felime was as much afflicted at their Se­paration, as if she had been really beloved by him: She was used to all the afflictions which love causes, but she had not been yet acquainted, with that which absence gives: And she felt it so sensibly, that she found, that it was the pleasure alone, of seeing him she loved, that gave her strength to support the Misfortune of not being beloved.

Alamire parted for Tharsus; and Zulema and Osmin, in different Ships, sailed to­wards Tunis: Zayde and Felime would not be parted, but staid together in Zulema's Ship. After some Dayes Navigation, a grie­vous Storm rose, which dispersed the Fleet: That Ship in which Zayde was, spent her main Mast: At which, Zulema losing all [Page 142]Hope of Safety in staying in the Ship, and knowing that he was not far off the Land, resolved to save himself in the long Boat: He caused his Wife, his Daugh­ter, and Felime, to go into the Boat; and took with him all that he had of Value: But, as he was going to step into the Boat, a Wave broke the Rope that faste­ned it to the Ship, and carryed it with that Violence, that it staved in against the Beach. Zayde was cast upon the Shore of Catalonia half Dead; and Febime, who had got hold of a Planck, was driven in there too, after she had seen the Princess Alasinthe drowned. When Zayde was come to her self, she was in a maze, to find her self among People that she did not know, and whose Language she could not understand.

Two Spaniards that were walking upon the Beach, found her in a Trance, and caused her to be carryed to their House; Some Fisher-men led Felime thither too: Zayde was over-joyed to see her; but was more afflicted, to hear of the Death of the Princess, her Mother: Having shed many Tears for this Loss, she bent her Thoughts how to get out of that Place: She made Signes, that she desired to go [Page 143]to Tunis, where she hoped to find Osmin and Belleny.

Looking earnestly upon the Youngest of those two Spaniards, whose Name was Theodorick, she perceived, he very much resembled the Picture, with which she had been so taken: This Resemblance sur­prized her, and made her look upon him with more Attention. She went along the Beach, to search for a Box, in which this Picture was; which, she believed, was put into the Boat, when she came off from the Ship, She sought in vain; and she was extreamly vexed, that she could not find what she looked for. She perceived, for some Dayes, that Theodorick had a Passion for her, though she could not understand it by his Lan­guage; yet his Carriage, and his Actions, made her suspect it; Nor was that Suspi­cion disagreeable to her.

Some time after, she thought her self mistaken: She saw him very Melancholly, without any Cause from her: She saw, that he often left her to go alone, to Dream and Think. In fine, She believed, he was ingaged in Affection to some o­ther, which made him uncasie, and trou­bled in Mind. This Imagination gave her a surprizing Disquiet, and made her as [Page 144]Melancholly, as Theodorick seemed to her. Although Felime was taken up with her own Thoughts; yet she was too well acquainted with Love, not to perceive the Passion which Theodorick had for Zayde, and the Inclination Zayde had for Theodo­rick: She hinted it to her divers times; and, notwithstanding the Reluctancy this fair Princess found in her, to own it to her self; yet, she could not forbear own­ing it to Felime.

It is true, said she, I have an Inclinati­on for Theodorick; of which I am not Mistriss: But, I pray you Felime, Is it not of him, that Albumazar spoke? And was not that Picture (think you) which we saw, drawn for him? There is no like­lyhood of it, answered Felime; The For­tune and Country of Theodorick, has no­thing that can relate to what Albumazar said. Consider, Madam, that having no wayes credited that Prediction, you now begin to believe it, by imagining, that Theodorick may be the Man that is destin'd for you; and judge from thence, what are your Thoughts for him. Hitherto, reply­ed Zayde, I did not believe the Words of Albumazar, to be a true Prediction: But, I must confess, that since I saw Theodo­rick, they began to make an Impression [Page 145]upon my Fancy. I thought it something Extraordinary, to have found a Man that resembled that Picture; and, at the same time, to feel an Inclination for him. I am surprized, when I think of Albumazar's forbidding me to suffer my Heart to re­ceive any Impression: He seems to me, to have fore-seen the Inclination I have for Theodorick: And, his Person is so plea­sing to me, that if I am design'd for a Man that resembles him, what should make me Happy, is like to make my Life uncomfortable. My Inclination is de­ceived with this Resemblance, and hur­ries me to him, to whom I ought not to belong; and, perhaps, prepossesses me so strangely, that I shall not be able to Love him, whom the Destinies have ordained I should Love. There is no other Reme­dy, continued Zayde, but to leave a Place where I run such hazard, and where De­cency it self, forbids we should continue any longer. It is not in our Power, an­swered Felime, to leave it: We are in a strange Country, even where our Language is not understood. We must stay for the Ships: But take notice, that what so­ever Care you seem to take, to leave Theo­dorick, you will not easily be able to blot out the Impression he has made upon [Page 146]your Heart. I perceive in you, the same things I felt, when I began to love Ala­mire; and would to the Gods, I could see in him, what you cannot but see in Theodorick. You are mistaken, said she, if you think that Theodorick has any In­clination for me; he has, doubtless, for some other Person: And the Sadness I perceive him in, proceeds from a Passion, of which I am not the Cause. I have, at least, this Consolation in my Misfortune; that the Impossibility of expressing my Thoughts to him, will hinder me from the Weakness of declaring to him that I love him.

A few Dayes after this Conversation, Zayde saw Theodorick at a distance; look­ing, with great Attention, upon some thing, which he held betwixt both his Hands; Her Jealousie made her fancy, that it was a Picture: She resolves to find out the Truth, and steals towards him as softly as she could; but she could not do it so gently, but that he heard her: He turned his Head, and hid what he had in his Hands, so that she could see nothing but the Lustre of some Diamonds: She no longer doubted, but that it was a Pic­ture-Case, as she had imagined; the As­surance she believed, she had of it, struck [Page 147]her with such a Grief, that she could not hide her Sadness, nor look upon Theodo­rick; And she felt such anguish of mind, to be so passionately smitten with a Man, whom she believed in Love with another. Theodorick, by chance, let fall what he hid; she saw it was a Knot of Diamonds, which held to a Bracelet of her Hair, which she had lost some Dayes before: The Joy she was in, that she had been mista­ken, would not let her shew any Anger. She snatch'd up her Bracelet, and return'd the Diamonds to Theodorick; who pre­sently threw them into the Sea, to let her see how much he despised them, when they were separated from her Hair: This Action convinced Zayde of the Love and Magnificence of that Spaniard, and did no small Feats in her Heart.

After this, he gave her to understand, by the help of a Picture (where he made the Painter to draw a Beautiful Lady, weeping over a Dead Man), that the Se­verity she shewed him, proceeded from the Tyes she had for that Man, whom she lamented. It was no small Grief to Zayde, to find, that Theodorick believed, that she loved another: She was now no longer in doubt of his Love for her; and she loved him with so much Tenderness, that she no [Page 148]longer endeavoured to smother it.

The time in which she was to depart, drew on; and not being able to resolve upon her Departure, without letting him know, that she loved him; she told Fe­lime, That she was resolved to write to him the Inclination she had in her Heart for him; but not to give it him, until the very moment she was to Embark. He shall not know the Passion I had for him, until I am sure, I am out of danger of e­ver seeing him more: It will be a great Comfort to me, that he shall know, that I thought of no other but himself; where­as, he believed, I was wholly taken up with the Remembrance of another Man. I shall find a great Pleasure, in expound­ing all my Actions to him; and in give­ing my self the Freedom of telling him, how much I loved him: I shall have this Delight, without breach of Modesty. He knows not who I am: He shall never see me more: And, what matter is't, if he knows that he touched the Heart of that Stranger, whose Life he has saved from Shipwrack. You have forgot, Madam, said Felime to her, that Theodorick does not understand your Language; So that, what you will write to him, will be of no use to him. Ah, Madam! If he has [Page 149]any kindness for me, he will find means to be informed of what I shall have writ­ten to him; and if he has not, I shall be glad that he does not know, that I love him: And, I am resolv'd to leave him with my Letter, the Bracelet of my Hair, which I so cruelly took from him, and which he deserved but too well.

Zayde began the very next Day, to write what she intended to leave to Theodorick: He surprized her, as she was Writing: and she easily found, that he was Jealous at it. If she had followed the Impulse of her Heart, she had then told him, That she writ to none but him: But her Pru­dence, and the little Knowledge she had of the Quality or Fortune of this Stran­ger, kept her from saying any thing, that might be taken for an Engagement; and made her conceal, what she desired he might know, when he should see her no more.

Some short time before she was to de­part, Theodorick left her; and made her comprehend, that he would be back the next Day. The Day following, she and Felime went to walk upon the Beach, not without Impatience to see Theodorick's Re­turn; and this Impatience made her more Pensive than usual: So that, seeing a Boat [Page 150]put in to the Shore, instead of being Cu­rious to see those that were in it, she walked another way: But, she was much surprized, to hear her self call'd, and to distinguish her Father's Voyce: She ran to him with great Joy; and he was tran­sported to see her again. After she had acquainted him how she escaped from Shipwrack, he told her in few words, That his Ship was driven upon the Coast of France; from whence he could not de­part, till some few Dayes before, and that he was come to Tarragone, to wait for the Ships that were to sail for Africk: That in the mean-time, he resolved to Row a­long the Coast, where Alasinthe, Felime, and she had suffer'd Shipwrack; to find, if any of them had chanced to escape▪ At the Name of Alasinthe, Zayde could not contain her Tears; by which, Zulema understood the Loss he had received: Ha­ving bestowed some time upon his Grief, he commanded the Young Princesses to go into the Boat, to sail along with him to Tarragone. Zayde was in great Per­plexity, how to perswade her Father, not to carry her away just then: She told him the Obligations she had to those Spaniards, who had received her into their House; thereby, thinking to induce him [Page 151]to let her go to take her Leave of them: But, all she could alleadge, would not perswade him to trust her any more into the Hands of the Spaniards. He made her Embarque, in spight of all she could say to the contrary. She was so sensible of the Opinion Theodorick might conceive of her Ingratitude; or rather, that she was going to leave him, without all Hopes of ever seeing him any more; that, not being able to master her Grief, she was forced to say, She was sick. The sole Consolation she could find in her Afflicti­on, was to see, that her Father had saved the Picture, with which she had been so well pleased; and which now, was become that of her Lover.

But, this Consolation was not strong enough to help her to support Theodoricks absence: She was not able to resist it: She fell dangerously ill: And Zulema was a long time in fear of Losing so every way accomplish'd a Creature, in the Prime, and Flower of her Youth and Beauty. At last there were visible Hopes of her recovery: But she was yet so weak that she could not brook the fatigue of the Sea. Her whole employ was to learn the Spanish Language, and having interpreters, and conversing with none [Page 152]but Spaniards, she easily learnt it during that time which she passed in Catalonia: She made Felime learn it likewise, and she found some pleasure in speaking no other Language, but Spanish.

In the mean time, the great Ships were parted from Taragone, for Affrick; and though Zulema, did not know what was become of Osmin, after they had been se­parated by the storm, yet he writ to him, to let him know how he was Shipwrack­ed, and the reason that obliged him to stay in Catalonia. Those Vessels returned from Affrick before Zayde was recovered of her Sickness: Osmin writ to the Prince his brother, that he Arrived safe: And that he found, the Calipe in the mind to keep them still at a distance: And that King Abderame, having sent to him for Generals, to command his Armies, he designed they should passe into Spain, and that, for that purpose he had sent him the orders. Zule­ma knew well it was not safe to disobey the Calipe: He resolves therefore to take a brigantine, to go by Sea to Valentia, to joyn with the King of Cordova, and so soon as the Princess his Daughter, was in a condition to Travel, he had her Convey­ed to Tortosa: Where he remained some dayes to give her some rest: But she was [Page 153]far from finding any: For, during the time of her sickness, and since she began to recover, the desire she had to let Theo­dorick hear from her, and the difficulty of doing it, put her into a Cruel disquiet of mind: She could not be satisfied in her thoughts, because she had the Letter, which she intended to leave him, about her that day her father carried her away. She was extreamly vext, that she had not left it somewhere, where he might light upon it. In fine, the night before she parted from Tortosa, she sent one of her fa­thers Gentlemen with the Letter, with Directions where he should find Theodorick near Tarragone: She commanded him not to tell who sent him, and to have a care that he should not be dogg'd as he return­ed, nor known who he was. Though she never hoped to see Theodorick, yet her grief was renewed, by leaving a Coun­try wherein he lived: She passed some part of the night, making her moan to Felime, in those pleasant Gardens belonging to the house where she lodged.

The next morning, that Gentleman whom she sent, came back, and told her, that he had been at the place whether she directed him: but that he had bin informed that Theodorick, was gone from thence that [Page 154]day before, with design to return nomor to that place. Zayde was sensibly vexed at this unlucky Chance, which deprived her of the only Consolation she sought af­ter: And rob'd her Lover of the onely favour she ever intended him: She em­barked with a heavy heart, and Landed in few dayes at Cordova. Osmin and Belle­ny staid there for them: The Prince of Tharsus was there likewise, who hearing at Tunis that she was in Spain, under pre­tence of those Warrs, came thither to find her out. Felime at the sight of Ala­mire did not find that absence had cured her, of the passion she had for him: Alamire found nothing but an Augmentation of, the rigors of Zayde: And Zayde an increase of her Aversion for Alamire.

The King of Cordova, gave the Gene­ral command of his Army to Zulema, with the Government of Talevera, and that of Oropese to Osmin: These two Princes a little while after, had some causes of dis­gust given them by Abdrame, but being unwilling to publish their anger, they withdrew themselves to their Governments pretending to visit the Fortifications, and to give the necessary Orders for the se­curity of those places. Alamire followed Zulema, that he might be near Zayde: [Page 155]But a little while after, the Armies going to Action, he was forced to go to joyn with Abderame. I parted about that time to find out Gonsalvo. I was taken prisoner by the Arabians, and carried to Talevera: Belleny, and Felime went to Oropese, but Zayde remained with the Prince her Fa­ther. After Gonsalvo had taken Talevera, and a truce was proposed, Alamire sent word to Zulema, that he would lay hold upon the freedom of this Cessation to wait upon him, and that he would take Oropese in his way; Zayde being informed of what I told you by her father, writ to Felime to let her know, that she had found her Theodorick again, and that, she was unwil­ing, he should imagine that it was the Prince of Tharsus, whom she lamented at Alphonsoes house: and therefore prayed her to forbid him to come to Talevera.

Felime found no difficulty to deliver this Message to Alamire. The next day Belleni finding her self indisposed with the close­ness of the place, took the advantage of the Cessation, and went out of the town to take the Ayr, in a great Wood that was near the City: as she was walking with Osmin and Pelime, they espied the Prince of Tharsus coming towards them, whom they received with Joy: And after they [Page 156]had discoursed together a good while, Fe­lime had opportunity to entertain Alamire in private.

I am sorry, I must tell you a thing that will hinder you from going on the Jour­ney you intended: For, Zayde prays you not to go to Talavera, and she intreats it after a manner, that may pass for a Com­mand. By what Excess of Cruelty, Madam, cryed Alamire, would Zayde Rob me of the only Comfort her severity has left me, which is to see her? I believe an­swered Felime, she intends to put an end to the Passion you profess to have for her; you know the aversion she has to be Mar­ried to a Man of your perswasion: You likewise know, that she has reason to be­lieve, that you are not the Man that is destin'd for her; and know moreover, that Zulema has changed his Resolution. All these Obstacles, replied Alamire, shall never make me change, nor the continu­ance of Zaydes unkindness; and in despite of the Fates, and the manner she uses me, I will never let fall my hopes of being beloved. Felime more than usually Netled at the Obstinacy of Alamires Passion, dispu­ted with him a good while, upon the Rea­sons that ought to draw him from his Pur­suit: But seeing all her Arguments were [Page 157]in vain, Rage did so inflame her, that, ceasing for the first time to be Mistress of her self, she told him; That if the De­crees of Heaven, and the unkindness of Zayd, would not make him lose his hopes, she knew not what would. Nothing, answered Alamire, but to see that another Man has won her Heart; then you must lay by all your hopes, replied Felime: for Zayde has met with a Man, that has found the way to please her, and by whom she's Adored & Beloved. Alas! who is that happy Man, cryed Alamire? A Spaniard, said Fe­lime, that resembles the Picture you have seen; in all likelihood it is not he, for whom that Picture was Drawn, nor whom Albumazar meant: But as you fear none but him, that may please Zayde, let it suffice you, to know, that she loves him, and that it is her fear of displeasing him, that makes her not to consent to see you. What you say cannot possible be, replied Alamire, Zayd's Heart is not so easily Conquered, if it had been so, you would not tell it me, nor would Zayde give you leave to reveal such a Secret: nor have you any Reason that may induce you to tel me of it. I have too many, replied she, transported as she was with her Pas­sion; and you — She was going to [Page 158]continue, but of a suddain she recover'd her Reason: She was out of Countenance at what she had said: she was troubled, and was sensible of her Error: this same increased her Surprise. She remain'd a while without speaking, and as it were besides her self; at last, casting her looks upon Alamire, and believing she saw som­thing in his looks, that discover'd som­thing of the Truth, she put a constraint upon her self, and reassuming a Counte­nance, wherein appeared, more of tran­quility, than she had in her mind. You have reason, said she to believe, that if Zayde were in love with any body, I should not acquaint you with it; I had only a mind to make you apprehend such a thing. It is true, that we have met with a Spaniard that is in love with Zayde, and resembles that Picture which you saw: But you have made me perceive, that I have perhaps, committed an Error, to have told it you, and I am in great per­plexity, fearing lest Zayde should be dis­pleased at it.

There was something so natural, in what Felime said, that she believed it had wrought some part of the effect, at which she aimed: Nevertheless, her Surprize was so great, and the words she had Spoken [Page 159]were so remarkable, that excepting the trouble in which she saw the Prince of Thar­sus, she could not flatter her self with the hope that her words had not laid open her own thoughts.

Osmin, who came to them just then, interrupted their discourse: Felime pressed by her sighs and her tears, which she could not contain, walked into the wood to hide her grief, and ease her mind by mak­ing her moan, to one in whom she had an intire confidence. The Princess Belleny her Mother order'd her to be call'd back, that they might return to Oropese, she durst not look upon Alamire, for fear of seeing in his eyes too much grief for what she had told him of Zayde, or to much knowledge of what she had said of her self: She saw notwithstanding that he went towards the Camp, and it was some sa­tisfaction to her to think, that he did not go to visit Zayde.

The King could not forbear interrupt­ing of Don Olmond in this place; I do not wonder now, said he, to Gonsalvo, at the sadness in which you saw Alamire, when you met him after his leaving Felime: It was to her, that the Trooper saw him speak in the Wood; what she said to him, was the cause he knew you: And we [Page 160]now understand the meaning of those words, which he spoke to you, when he drew his Sword at you, and which ap­peared to you then so obscure; and gave us so much Curiosity to know what they meant; Gonsalvo made no answer, and Don Olmond followed the thred of his Dis­course.

It is not hard to judge how Felime pas­sed that Night, and into how many sorts of Afflictions her mind was divided. She saw that she had betrayed Zayde; and she feared, that she had put Alamire into Despair: And, in spite of her jealousie she was troubled, that she had made him so Unhappy: Notwithstanding, she wished he might know that Zayde was ingaged in her inclinations to ano­ther; she apprehended, that she had too well diswaded him from the Opinion she gave him of it: But above all, she fear'd that she had to much discover'd her own Pas­sion for him. The next day, a new Affliction blotted out all the rest: She heard of the Combat that was betwixt Alamire and Gonsalvo; and, her whole Mind was taken up with the fear of losing him: She sent every day to the Castle, where he lay, to know how he did? and when she began to have some hopes of his Recovery, she [Page 161]heard what the King had ordered about his Life, to Revenge the Prince of Gallicia's Death. You saw the Letter which she writ to me the last Day, to oblige me to labour for his Preservation. I told her what Gonsalvo had done at her Request: And I have nothing more to tell you, but that I never saw in one and the same Per­son, so much Love, so much Discretion, and so much Grief.

Don Olmond thus ended his Relation; during which, Gonsalvo felt an inexpres­sible Pleasure: To know, that he was beloved of Zayde; to find Marks of Kind­ness, in all that he took for Marks of In­difference, was an Excess of Happyness, which transported him beyond Expressi­on; and made him taste in one moment, all the Pleasures, which other Lovers taste only by fits. The King was going to tell Don Olmond, that Gonsalvo was Theodorick, when word was brought him, That the Deputies who came to treat of Peace, desired Audienco. He left those two Friends toge­ther; and Don Olmond taking up the Dis­course, I might with Justice complain, said he, that I owe the Knowledge who Theodoric was, only to my self, since our Friendship might claim that Knowledge from you. I wonder how you could believe, it could [Page 162]be possible for you to conceal it from me, while you shewed so much Curiosity to know all that might concern Zayde. I know, you loved her the first Day you spoke to me of her: And I could not well believe, that the first sight could pro­duce in you so violent a Passion, as to me it appeared by what Felime told me; since I was sure, that the Man (such as she de­scribed Theodorick) could be no other but Gonsalvo. I had no other way to Revenge the Secret you kept from me, but by the Note which I writ to you, with an inten­tion to give you some Disquiet: My Re­venge is over; and the Pleasure I gave you by my Relation, makes me forget all that could displease me. But, added he, I will not let you take more Pleasure than you ought; for, I must tell you, That unless you have produced a great Altera­tion in Zaydes Heart, she is resolved to resist the Inclination she has for you, to obey her Father's Commands and Will.

The Certainty of being beloved, inspi­red him with so violent a Desire to see that Princess, that he beg'd Leave of the King to go to Talavera: Don Garcias wil­lingly granted his Request; and Gonsalvo parted full of Hopes, to be confirmed, at least, (by the fair Ey [...]s of Zayde) in the [Page 163]Truth of all that he had heard from Don Olmond. He heard at his Arrival to the Castle, that Zulema was indisposed. Zayde came to receive him at the Entry of her Father's Appartment; and told him, The Trouble her Father was in, that he was not in a Condition to see him. Gonsalvo was so surprized, and so dazled at the Charming Beauty of that Princess, that he stood stock still, and could not forbear shewing his Amazement: She took notice of it, and blushed; and remained in such a Surprize of Modesty, that it added a new Lustre to her Beauty. He led her to her Lodgings, and spoke to her of his Love with more Assurance, than he had done in his first Conversation: But, see­ing that she answer'd him with a Discre­tion and Reservedness, which would con­ceal from him how her Heart was in­clined towards him, if he had not learned it from Don Olmond; he resolved to let her understand, that he knew some part of her Inclinations.

Will you never tell me, Madam, said he, The Reason that made you wish, I were the Man whom I resembled? Do not you know, said she, that it is a Secret which I cannot reveal? Is it possible, Ma­dam, replyed he, looking stedfastly upon [Page 164]her, That the Passion I have for you, and the Obstacles you see to my Happy­ness, will not induce you to have some pity of me, and to let me see (at least) that you wish my Destiny were more Hap­py: It is only this poor Wish of my Happiness, that you conceal from me with so much Industry. Ah, Madam! Do you think it too much for a Man, that has Adored you from the first moment that ever he saw you, to prefer him only in Wish, to some Affrican whom you ne­ver saw? Zayde was so surprized with what Gonsalvo said, that she could not an­swer. Be not amazed, Madam, said he, (fearing she should accuse Felime for dis­covering her Thoughts); be not troubled, that Chance hath informed me what I have now told you: I heard you in the Gar­den the Night before you parted from Tor­tosa; and I knew from your self, what you have the Cruelty to conceal from me. How Gonsalvo, cryed Zayde! You heard me in the Garden at Tortosa? Were you so near me, and would not speak to me? Ah, Madam, answered Gonsalvo, (casting himself at her Feet!) What a Joy you give me by this Reproach? and, How glad I am, to see you forget that I listen­ed to you, to remember, that I did not [Page 165]speak to you? Do not repent, Madam, continued he, (seeing her trouble that she had discovered the Inclination of her Heart): Be not sorry to give me some Pleasure; and give me leave to believe, that I am not altogether indifferent to you. But to vindicate my self from that Re­proach, I must tell you, Madam; That I over-heard you at Tortosa, without knowing that it was you: And that my Imagination was so fill'd with the Opinion, that we were separated by the Seas; that, although I heard your Voice, being in the Night, and could not see you, and that you spoke Spanish, I could never imagine, that I was so near you: I saw you the next Day in a Barge; But, when I saw you, and knew you, I was no longer in a Condition to speak to you; being then in the Custody of those the King sent to find me out. Since you over-heard me, answered Zayde, it is but a Folly to go a­bout, to give another Construction to my Words: But, I beseech you, to ask me no more Questions; and to give me leave, to go from you: For, I must confess, that the Shame I have of what you have heard unknown to me, and of what I have unadvisedly said to you, puts me into such a Confusion, that I must beg [Page 166]of you, if I have any Power over you, to be g [...]e. Gonsalvo was so pleased with what he had seen, that he would not press Zayde to make any Declaration of her Thoughts: He left her as she desired; and came back to the Camp full of Hope, to make her shortly change the Resolution she had taken.

Don Garcias his Forces, and the Valour of Gonsalvo, were so formidable to the Moors, that they submitted to all the Articles of Peace, which the King off Leon had proposed. The Treaty was signed on both Sides: And, as the Moors were to surrender some Places that were far of; it was agreed, That Don Garcias should retain all the Prisoners, until every Article of the Peace were fulfilled. In the mean time, he was resolved to so [...]ourn for some time, in those Cities which he had won; and therefore, went to Al­maras, which the Moors had surrendered to him. The Queen, who passionately loved the King, accompanyed him from the beginning of the Wars in the Field: But, during the Siege of Talavera, staid at a Place that was not far off; where a slight Indisposition held her still: But, she was, in a few Dayes, to come to him. Gonsalvo being impatient until he saw [Page 167] Zayde again, pray'd the King, to desire the Queen to pass to Talavera, under pre­tence of seeing this new Conquest; and bring away all the Arabian Ladies, that were there. The Queen knew the Interest Gonsalvo had in Zayde; and, she was glad to Repair on this occasion, in some measure, those many Crosses she had caused him, in the Intreigue of Nugna Bella. She went to Talavera; and all the Arabian Ladies readily consented, to pass all the time they were to stay in Spain, in the Queens Court. Zulema, who remain'd Prisoner at Talavera, was not so willing to consent, that Zayde should leave him; and the Rank which he alwayes held made him see with some Trouble, that his Daughter must be obliged to follow the Queen, as well as the rest of the Arabian Ladies: He consented to it, nevertheless; and Gonsalvo received the joyful News, that he should soon see that admirable Beauty, which made him so much in Love. The Day that the Queen was to come, the King went two Leagues to meet her: She was on Horse-back, with all the Ladies of her Train. As soon as she came near him, she presented Zayde to him, whose Beauty was increased by the care she took in her Dressing; inspired there-to, by [Page 168]her Desire to appear to Gonsalvo, with all her Charms about her: Her graceful Per­son, her compleat Wit, and her modest Behaviour, surprized all that saw her. She was treated as a Person of her Birth, Merit, and Beauty, deserved: And she saw her self, in a few Dayes, the Delight, and the Admiration of all the Court of Leon.

Gonsalvo could not look upon her with­out Transports of joy; and the Assurance he had, that she loved him, would not let him think of the Obstacles which op­posed his Happiness: If he loved her formerly, onely for the Charmes of her Beauty, the Knowledge of her Vertue made him now adore her. He watched all opportunities of speaking to her in private, with as much Industry, as she used to avoid them: At last, having found her one Night in the Queens Closer, where there were but few besides; he con­jured her with so much Earnestness and Respect, to tell him, how she was dispo­sed towards him, that she could not deny him.

If it had been possible for me, said she, to hide it from you, I would do it, not­withstanding the esteem I have for you; and I would spare my self the shame of [Page 169]shewing an Inclination for a man, for whom I am not destin'd; But, since you have known my thoughts against my will, I willingly own them to you, and will explicate to you some Passages, of which you could have but an obscure Knowledge. Then she told him all those things which he had already heard by Don Olmond, Concerning Albumazar's Pre­dictions, and the Resolutions of Zulema: You see, added she, That all I can do, is to pitty you, and bemoan my self. You are too full of Reason to expect, or ask me, not to follow my Fathers will. At least Madam, said he, let me flatter my self, that if he were capable of Changing his Resolution, you would not oppose in I cannot tell you whether I should oppose it or no, answered she. But I believe, I ought to do it, because all the Happiness of my life depends upon it. If you be­lieve, Madam, replied Gonsalvo that you should be unhappy in making me happy, you have reason to continue the Resoluti­on you have taken: But I dare tell you, that if you continued in that opinion, which you would have me flatter my self with, you have nothing could induce you to believe, that it were possible for you to be unhappy. You are deceived, Madam, [Page 170]when you imagin that you have some little kindness for me; and I was mistaken too, when I fancied at Alphonses house, that you were disposed to be favourable to me. Let us say no more, replied Zayde, of what we might believe of one another, during our aboad in that solitude: And do not make me remember all that might perswade me, that your mind was taken up with other affliction, than those I might give you. I have learnt since I saw you at T [...]luvera, what made you leave the Court Nor do I question but that you bestowed upon the Memory of Nugna Bella, all the time, which you did not spend in my company. Gonsalvo was Glad, that Zayde had given him occasion, to clear all the doubts, which she had of his passion: He laid open before her the true state his Heart was in, when he first saw her: He told her moreover, what he suffered for not being able to un­derstand her, and all that he thought of her affliction: And yet I was not altoge­ther mistaken Madam, added he, when I believed I had a Rivall: And I have been informed since of the passion the Prince of Tharsus had for you. It's true Answer­ed Zayde, that Alamire has professed a passion for me: And that my Father in­tended [Page 171]to give me to him, before the saw that Picture, which he keeps with an extraordinary care; So fully he is perswa­ded that my Happinesse depends upon marrying the man, for whom it was drawn. Well Madam, said Gonsalvo, you are resol­ved then, to consent to it, and to bestow your self upon the man that you shall and like me. If it be true, that you have no Aversion for me, you may be­lieve that you will have none for him: So that the assurance I bove, that I am not displeasing to you, is to me a con­vincing Argumend, that you will without any Reluctancy Marry my Rivall. It is a kind of Misfortune which no man, but my self has ever met with. And I know not why the condition, I am in should not move your pity. Do not complain of me, said she; but rather, that you have been born a Spaniard, Although I should be to you, what you would desire, and that my Fa­ther were not prepossessed, your Country would still be an invincible obstacle against your wishes. And Zulema would never consent that I should Marry you. Give me leave at least. Madam, applied Gonsalvo, to acquaint him with my intensions. The Aversion you shewed for Alamire, ought to put him out of hope of making you mar­ry [Page 172]a man of his Religion: It may be, he is not so tyed to Albumazar's words as you think: In fine Madam, Give me leave to try alwayes, by which I may Arrive to a happinesse, without which it is im­possible for me to live. I consent to what you desire, answered Zayde; nay, and I would have you believe too, that I fear all your endeavours will prove unsuccesse­full.

Gonsalvo went away presently to the King, to beseech him to assist him to sound Zulema's thoughts, and to try to make him approve of his designe. They concluded to Charge Don Olmond with this Commission; whose address, and Friendship for Gonsalvo, seemed more like­ly than any other, to succeed in this af­fair. The King writ by him to Zulema: And requested Zayde for Gonsalvo, with the same Application, as if he demanded her for himself. Don Olmonds journey, and Don Garcias his Letter, were in vain. Zulema made answer, that the King Ho­noured him too much, who having his Daughter in his possession, might dis­pose of her: But that by his confent, she should never Marry a man, that was of a contrary Opinion to his own. This answer gave Gonsalvo all the affliction he [Page 173]could bear: Being beloved of Zayde, he would not acquaint her with the illness of [...], fearing lest that the certainty of ne­ver being his, would make her Change the intentions she had for him: He told her only, that he did not despair of gain­ing Zulemas consent, and obtaining of him what he so earnestly desired.

The Princess Belleny, Felimes Mother, who was left Sick at Oropese, died a litle after the Peace had been concluded. Os­nin was sent to Talavera, to be with Zu­lema, until the expiration of the time pre­fixed, for the releasing of the Prisoners; and Pelime was conducted to the Court: She had all her wonted Charmes about her. The affliction of her mind had so Macerated her Body, that her Beauty was impaired by it; but it was not hard to perceive, that her indisposition of health, had caused this alteration. This Princess was much surprised, to find, that the same Gonsalvo, whom she believed ne­ver to have known before, and whose Name she could not hear without Horror; for, the Wounds he gave to the Prince of Tharsus, was the same Theodoric, that she had seen at Alphonso's House, and that found the way to please Zayde. Her Afflictions were increased, [Page 174]when she reflected, that what she said to Alamire in the Woods of Oropese, made him know Gonsalvo for his Rival, and was the occasion of their Combat.

That Prince was carried to Almaras; she had the satifaction to hear from him eve­ry day; and the consolation, not to be oblig'd to hide her Affliction, which was attributed to the Death of her Mother. Alamire, whose Youth for a time suppor­ted his Life, was at last reduced to that extremity of weakness, that the Physiti­ans began to despair of his Recovery. Fe­lime was with Zayde and Gonsalvo, when word was brought them, that one of that unfortunate Princes Gentlemen desired to speak with Zayde: She blushed, and after remaining some time in a confusion, she caused him to be brought in, and asked aloud, what the Prince of Tharsus desi­red. Madam, said he, my Master is upon the point of Death, and he beggs, he may have the Honor, to see you before he Dies: He hopes the Condition he is in, will not let you refuse him this Favor. Zayde was troubled and surprized at the Gentlemans Request; she re­mained some time without answering: At last, turning her Eyes towards Gon­salvo, as if it were to know of him [Page 175]what he would have her do: But seeing he said nothing, and judging by his Countenance, that he did not desire she should see Alamire: I am very sorry said she, to the Gentleman, that I cannot gra­tifie the Prince of Tharsus in what he de­sires of me; If I thought that my presence would contribute any thing to his Cure, I would most willingly see him; but be­ing perswaded that it will avail him nothing, I begg he will excuse my not seeing him; and, I pray you to assure him, that I am much troubled at his weak Condition. The Gentleman went away with this Answer; and Felime re­mained overwhelmed with Grief; of which, nevertheless, she made no other shew but by her silence. Zayde was sad for Felime, and she had some pity for the wretched Destiny of the Prince of Thar­sus. Gonsalvo was divided, betwixt his joy to see the complaisance Zayde had for a meaning which he had not so much as acquainted her with, and his Grief to have deprived that dying Prince of the sight of the Princess.

As all these persons were thus taken up with their divers thoughts; Alamire's Gentleman returned again, and told Felime, that his Master desired to see her: That [Page 176]there was no time to be lost, if she meant to grant him that Favor: Felime rises from her Seat, and had no other signe of a liv­ing Body, but her power to go: She gave her hand to that Gentleman, and being accompanied by her women, she went to the place where Alamire lay. She placed her self at his bed-side, and without saying any thing to him, she remained without motion, with her eyes fixed upon him: I am Happy Madam, said he to her, that the example of Zayde has not inspired you with the same Cruelty, to refuse me the satis­faction of seeing you; it was the only Comfort I could expect, since I have been depriv'd of her, to whom I took the bold­ness to pretend. I beseech you to tell her, that she had reason to think me unwor­thy of the Honor which Zulema once in­tended me. My Heart has been inflamed with so many Fires, and has been profain'd by so many false Adorations, that it did not deserve to touch hers: But if an in­constancy which ended at the first sight of her, could be repaired by a passion which made me directly opposite to what I was before, and by a pursuit, the fullest of respect that ever was; I do believe, Madam, that I had expiated all the Crimes of my Life. Assure her Madam, I con­jure [Page 177]you, that I had for her the same kind of Veneration, with which the Gods are ado­red; and that the Wounds I receiv'd from Gonsalvo, are not so Mortal to me, as to see that he is beloved by her. You told me the truth in the Woods of Oropese, when you informed me that her Heart was ingaged. I believed it too true, though I told you at first I did not; I just parted from you, full of the Idea of the happy Spaniard. When I met Gonsalvo, his resemblance to the Pict­ure which I had seen, and what you had then told me, struck me of a suddain, so that I made no doubt, but that he was the Man of whom you spoke. I gave him to understand that I was Alamire; he fell upon me with that Animosity, as if he had known me for his Rival. I have been told since, that I was not mistaken, when I took him for the Man, that had the luck to please Zayde. He deserves her Love, I envy his Happiness, without thinking him unworthy of her: I Dye oppressed with my misfortunes, without murmuring; and if I durst, I would only complain of Zaydes inhumanity, in depriving a Man of her sight, that is going to lose her for Ever. It is easie to judge, how many mortal Arrowes pierced the Sould of Fe­lime at these words of Alamire. She en­deavoured [Page 178]once or twice to speak; but her Sighs and her Tears obstructed her Speech. At last, with a Voice interrup­ted with Sighs, and precipitated by a Passion, which she could no longer con­tain; Believe me, said she, That if I had been in Zaydes place, no Man should be preferred before the Prince of Tharsus. In spight of his Grief, he was sensible of the force of these Words; and she turned her Head aside, to hide the abundance of her Tears, and to avoid the Eyes of Alamire. Alas, Madam, replyed this dying Prince! Can it possible be, that what you have let me see, can be true? I must confess, that the Day you spoke to me in the Woods, I believed some part of what I now dare believe: But, I was so full of trouble, and you so dexterously turned the Meaning of your Words, that I retained but a very slight Impression of it. Pardon me, Madam, that I dare think it; and, pardon me, for creating a Misfortune, which has been more grievous to my self, than to you. I did not desire to be Hap­py; I had been too too Fortunate, if—

A suddain Fainting hindred him from proceeding; He lost the use of his Speech: And, turning his Eyes towards Felime, as if he meant to bid her Adieu, he closed [Page 179]them for ever, and dyed that very mo­ment. Felimes Tears stopped; she is drowned in Sorrow: She looks upon this dying Prince with her Eyes fixt in her Head, and without motion. Her Women, seeing that she did not offer to stir from her Seat, came and led her away from a Place, where she no longer could see any thing but dismal and funestuous Objects. She suffer'd her self to be Conducted away, without pronouncing one Word: But, when she came into her Chamber, the Sight of Zayde embitter'd her Sorrow, and gave her Strength to speak. Are you now satisfyed, Madam, said she to her? Alamire is Dead! I, Alamire is Dead, continued she, as if she were speaking to her self! I shall never see him more! I have then lost all Hopes of ever being Beloved of him! It is no longer in Love's Power, to pre­serve him for me! My Eyes shall never meet with his! His Presence, which sweeten'd all my afflicting Misfortunes, is for ever vanish'd from my sight. Ah, Madam, said she to Zayde! Is it possible, that any Man should please you, when Alamire could not? How Cruel was your Humanity? Why would not you love him? He Ado­red you most Religiously. What could there be wanting in him, to render him [Page 180]more Amiable? But, replyed Zayde, soft­ly; You very well know, that I should encrease your Sufferings, if I had loved him; and that it was the only thing in the World, which you apprehended most. It is true, Madam, answered she; it is true, I was unwilling you should make him so Happy: But, I would not have had you deprive him of Life. Alas! Why did I with so much Care, conceal from him the Passion I had for him? Perhaps, it had won upon him; happily it might have given him some Diversion, from that fatal Love which he had for you. What was I afraid of? Why should not he know, that my Heart Adored him? The only Con­solation which is left me, is, that he sus­pected some-thing of it: Well, although he had known it, it may be, he would have dissembled that he loved me, and so would have deceived me: What, if he had continued to deceive me, as he begun? Those dear Moments, wherein he made me believe that he loved me, are yet pre­cious to my Memory. Is it possible, that after suffering so many Evils, there should rest still so great for me to endure? I hope, at least, that my Grief will be strong e­nough, to bereave me of Force to support them.

As she talked thus; Gonsalvo came to the Door of her Chamber (not thinking she was there) to know in what Condi­tion she was in, after returning from Ala­mire's Apartment: He with-drew him­self suddainly, that he might not irritate her grief by his Presence: But, he could not do it so quickly, but that she had a Glimpse of him; and this sight of him, made her cry out so mournfully, that the hardest Hearts could not choose but be moved there-at. I beseech you, Madam, said she to Zayde, to give order, that Gon­salvo comes not in [...] my sight: I cannot endure the Sight of a Man, from whose Hand Alamire received his Death; and who robb'd him of what was dearer to him, than his Life.

The Violence of her Grief took away her Speech, and her Senses: And her Health being already much impair'd, it was easie to perceive, that her Life was in danger. The King, and the Queen, being told of her Condition, came to see her; and sent for all that could give her Ease. After five or six Hours lying in a kind of Lethargy, the Strength of the Me­dicines which was given her, brought her to her self: She knew none of the Stan­ders by, but Zayde; who fate weeping by [Page 182]her, with much sorrow. Do not lament my Loss, said she, (so low, that she could hardly be over heard); I should no longer be worthy of your Friendshp; nor could I love a Person that caused the Death of Alamire. She could say no more. She fell into the same Fainting-Fits again: And the next Day, about the same Hour that she saw the Prince of Tharsus depart, she en­ded a Life, which Love had render'd so Unfortunate.

The Death of two Persons, of so extra­ordinary Merit, was so worthy of Com­passion, that all the Court of Leon was afflicted there-at: Zaydes Grief was inex­pressible; She loved Felime passionately: and the manner of her Death, added more Sorrow to her Affliction. All Gonsalvo's Prayers, and his Cares, could not prevail for several Dayes with her, to moderate her Grief: But, her Apprehensions of leaving Spain, and losing Gonsalvo, gave some Respite to her Tears, to afflict her with another sort of Discontent. The King returned to Leon: And there remain'd so little now of what was to fulfil the in­tire Accomplishment of the Articles of Peace, that in all appearance, Zulema was very shortly to re-pass into Africk: Yet, he was not in a condition to Travail; for, [Page 183]he was dangerously sick, when Felime dy­ed; and the Extreamity he was reduced to, was kept from Zayde, that she might not be oppressed with so many Afflictions at one and the same time. Gonsalvo was full of Mortal Disquiet; and studied all wayes, by which he might either induce that Prince to consent to his Happiness, or perswade Zayde to stay in Spain with the Queen; since Reason seemed to dis­pense with her, for not following a Father, that appeared in a Resolution, to force her to change her Religion. Some Dayes after they came to Leon, Gonsalvo came one E­vening into the Queens Closet; where Zayde was; but her Eyes were so fixt up­on a Picture of Gonsalvo's, that she did not see him when he came in. It is decreed, Madam, said he, that I must alwayes be jealous of Pictures; since I am so even of my own, and must envy the Attention you have in looking on them. What, of your Picture, answered Zayde, with an extream Surprize! Yes, Madam, of my Picture, replyed Gonsalvo: I see, you can hardly believe it, because it is so Handsom; but I assure you, it was drawn for me. Gon­salve, said she, was there no other Picture drawn for you, like this? Ah, Madam, cryed he, with that kind of Trouble, which [Page 184]uncertain Joyes creates in us! May not I believe what you give cause to suspect, and what I can scarce dare to tell? Yes, Madam, other Pictures like this you see, have been drawn for me: But, I dare not give my self the Liberty to believe what I perceive you think, and what I should have thought long since, if I had judged my self worthy of those Predictions which have been told you; and if you had not alwayes assured me, that the Picture which resembled me, was drawn for an African. I believed so by the Habit, and the Words of Albumazar perswaded me to it: You know, added she, how much I desired, that you might be the Man you resembled: But what surprizes me, is, that having wished it so much, my Pre-occupation should hinder me from believing it. I spoke of it to Felime, the first time I saw you at Alphonso's House. When I saw you again at Talavera, and was informed of your Birth and Quality, this very Imagi­nation came into my Mind; but looked only upon it, as a pure Effect of my Wishes. But, How hard a matter will it be, con­tinued she, fetching a deep Sigh! to per­swade my Father, to believe this Truth? And, how much I fear, that these Pre­dictions, which seemed true to him when [Page 185]he thought they concerned a Man of his own Perswasion, will seem false to him, when they relate to a Spaniard? While she thus argued, the Queen came into the Closet; Gonsalvo made her partake of his Joy: She did not defer a moment ac­quainting the King, with the Discourse they had; and the King came that very instant, to know of Gonsalvo, What re­mained to be done, that his Happiness might be compleated. After consulting a good while, by what means Zulema might be won; it was agreed, he should be brought to Court. A Messenger was in stantly dispatched to Talavera, to acquaint him, that the King desired he should be brought to Court; and being now per­fectly Recovered, arrived there in few Dayes. The King received him with great Demonstrations of Esteem, and led him into his Closet. You would not grant me Zayde, sayes he, for the Man of the World I consider the most; but, I hope, you will not refuse her to him, whose Picture you see here; and to whom, I know, she is destined by the Predictions of Albumazar. At this, he shewed him Gonsalvo's Picture, and presented to him Gonsalvo himself, who was with-drawn from them a little. Zulema looks now up­on [Page 186]the Picture, and then upon Gonsalvo; and seemed to be in a deep Study: The King believed, that his Silence proceeded from his Uncertainty. If you are not ful­ly perswaded, said he, by the Resem­blance, that this is Gonsalvo's Picture; you shall have so many other Proofs, that you shall have no cause to doubt of it: The Picture you have, which is like this, could not fall into your Hands, but since the Battle which Nugnes Fernando (Gon­salvo's Father) lost against the Moors: He caused it to be drawn by an excel­lent Painter, who had Travel'd over most Parts of the World: He took such a liking to the African Garb, that he drew all his Pictures in that Habi [...]. It is true, Sir, replyed Zulema, that I have that Pic­ture, but since the time you speak of: It is true likewise, because you do me the Ho­nor to say it and the Resemblance makes it out; that I cannot doubt, but that it is Gonsalvo's Picture: But that is not the Cause of my Silence, or Astonishment. I admire the Decrees of Heaven, and the Effects of the Almighties Providence. There has been no Predictions made to me, Sir: The Words of Albumazar, of which I perceive, you heard speak, were taken by my Daughter in another Sense [Page 187]than they should be. But, since you have the Goodness to be concerned for my Daughters Fortune, give me leave to in­form you, what you cannot know but from me; and to shew you the beginning of a Life, which you alone can make Hap­py.

The just Pretensions my Father had to the Empire of the Caliphe, occasioned his Banishment into Cyprus; whither I went along with him: There I fell in love with Alasinthe, and Marryed her: She was a Christian; I resolved to embrace her Per­swasion; because it was the only way, that seemed to me fit to be lived in: Ne­vertheless, the Austerities of it, frighted me, and stopped the Execution of my De­signe. I went back into Africk: The Plea­sures, and the Corruption of Manners, re-ingaged me more than ever, in my own Religion, and gave me a fresh Aversion a­gainst Christians. I forgot Alasinthe for many Years: But, at last. I had a desire to see her, and Zayde, which I had left an Infant: I resolved to go into: Cyprus to fetch her away, and to make her change her Religion; and Marry her to the Prince of Fess, of the House of Idris. He had heard of her, and earnestly desired to have her. His Father had a particular [Page 188]Friendship for me. The Wars that were then begun in Cyprus, made me hasten my Designe: When I arrived there, I found the Prince of Tharsus in love with Zayde: I thought him very Deserving. I did not question, but that she had an Inclination for him: I believed, my Daughter would have been easily perswaded to Marry him: Nor was I wholly Engaged to the Prince of Fez. Her Mother being a Christian, I feared she would be an Obstacle to the Designe I had, to make Zayde change her Religion. I gave my consent to Alamire's Pretentions: But was surprized, to find the Aversion she shewed to him. And, during the Siege at Famagosta, all my En­deavours could not prevail with her, to Marry him. I thought not fit, to press her too much, to conquer an Aversion which seemed Natural in her; but, resolved to Marry her to the Prince of Fez, so soon as we should be Landed in Africk. He writ to me since my Arrival in Cyprus; by which I understood, that his Mother was Dead: So that, I saw no Obstacle to this Marriage. We left Famagosta; we landed at Alexandria; where I found Al­bumazar, with whom I had been long ac­quainted. He took notice, that my Daugh­ter looked earnestly upon a Picture, which [Page 189]I had, that was like this I see. The next Day, as I was speaking to this Learned Man, of the Aversion she had for Alamire; I told him my Intention to Marry her to the Prince of Fez, whether she should like him or not.

I doubt, answered Albumazar, whether she will have any Dislike to his Person; for this Picture, which so much pleases her, is so like that Prince, that I believe, it was drawn for him. I cannot judge, said I, because I never saw him: It is not impossible, but that it may be his Picture: Nor do I know, for whom it was drawn; for, it came into my Hands, by Chance. I wish, that Prince may please Zayde: But, if she should dislike him, I should not have the same Complaisance for her, as I had upon the Prince of Tharsus his account. Some dayes after, my Daughter prayed Albumazar to tell her something of her Fortune: As he knew my Intentions; and did believe, that the Picture which she saw, was made for the Prince of Fez; he told her, without any Designe, That his Words should be taken for a Predicti­on; That she was destin'd for him whose Picture she had seen. I seemed to believe, that Albumazar spoke by a particular Fore­knowledge [Page 190]he had of Things to come. I still appeared to Zayde, to be of the same Opinion. When I left Alexandria, Albu­mazar assured me, that I should never suc­ceed in the Designes I had for her: Ne­vertheless, I could not lose my Hopes of bringing them to pass. During my late Sickness, the Designe I had formerly of embracing the True Religion, came so strongly into my Fancy, that since my Recovery, all my Thoughts have been em­ployed about fortifying my self in this Resolution; yet, I confess, that this Hap­py Resolution was not yet so strong, as it ought to be: But, now I must yield to what Heaven is working in my favor. It leads me by the same wayes, which I meant to follow, in making my Daugh­ter marry a Man of my own Perswasion, to marry her to one of her Religion. The Words which Albumazar spoke without Designe, only upon a Resemblance, in which he was mistaken, proves a true Prediction; and this Prediction is accom­plished in every part, by the Happiness which my Daughter will have, in marry­ing a Man, that is the Admiration and Wonder of his time. I have nothing more to say, but to beg of you, Sir, To receive [Page 191]me among the Number of your Subjects; and, To permit me, to end my Dayes in your Kingdom.

The King and Gonsalvo were so surpri­zed and over-joyed with Zulema's Dis­course, that they Embraced him without replying; being not able to find Words of a suddain, to express their satisfaction. At last, after having declared their Joy, they stood a great while, admiring the Cir­cumstances of so strange an Adventure: Yet Gonsalvo no way admired, that Albu­mazar should be mistaken in his Resem­blance to the Prince of Fez; he knew, that others had been deceived in it, as well as he: He told Zulema, That the Prince of Fez his Mother, was Sister to Nugnes Fernando, his own Father; and that, being taken away in an Invasion which the Moors made, she was carryed into Africk; where her Beauty made her Legitimate Wife to the Father of this Prince of Fez.

Zulema went to acquaint his Daughter with what had passed; and it was easy for him to perceive by her manner of re­ceiving this News, that she was not in­sensible [Page 192]of Gonsalvo's Merit: Some few Dayes after, Zulema made publick Pro­fession of the Christian Faith. Nothing now was thought on, but the Preparati­ons of this Marriage; which was solem­nized with all the Gallantry of the Moors, and the Politeness of Spain.